Former Miss America Leanza Cornett dead at 49 after fall at home
Leanza Cornett, who was named Miss America 1993, died on Wednesday, the organization that runs the pageant announced.
She was 49.
Cornett had been hospitalized with a head injury sustained in a fall at her home earlier this month, according to a Facebook page created to update fans, friends and family.
Cornett, born in Virginia but raised in Florida, was named Miss Florida in 1992 before winning the national pageant a year later.
“Leanza had a bright and beautiful spirit and her laugh was infectious. We know she meant so much to so many, including all of you,” the Miss America Organization said in a statement.
“We are devastated by this sudden loss in our Miss America family and we are deeply sorry for her family and close friends for their loss.”
Cornett sustained “a massive blow to the back of the head” when she fell in her kitchen on Oct. 12 and had required emergency surgery, according to the Facebook page.
She had remained hospitalized in Jacksonville until her death Wednesday.
Cornett was the first actress to play a live-action Ariel in the “Voyage of The Little Mermaid” stage show at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. She also had on-screen roles including “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” “Grown Ups,” “The Tick,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Weeds.”
She is survived by two sons, Kai, 18, and Avery, 16, and her ex-husband, former “Entertainment Tonight” host Mark Steines.
“We will always remember the wonderful times shared during her short time here on earth,” Steines wrote on Instagram. “I find comfort knowing Kai and Avery will forever have the best guardian angel watching over them as they navigate life’s path.”
