Former Miss America Leanza Cornett Dies at 49 | Her Cause of Death, Funeral, Husband, Children & Net Worth!
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Leanza Cornett is the former Miss America who tragically passed away after a sustained head injury. She was the winner of Miss America 2013 and was 21 years old when she won the competition. The news of her death came as a tragedy to many people as she was an inspiration icon who was dedicated to bringing awareness and preventing AIDS.
The news of her death was announced by The Miss America Organization. Learn more on Leanza Cornett’s tragic death and get to know more on her married life, husband, children, net worth, and much more.
What Happened to Leanza Cornett? Cause of Death/ Funeral
Leanza Cornett tragically passed away on October 28, 2020, at the age of 49. She passed away from her a head injury she suffered during a fall at home on October 12. Her injury required her to undergo a decompressive craniectomy to treat swelling and bleeding on her brain. The Miss America Organization confirmed the tragic death in a statement that read,
“It is with great sadness the Miss America Organization relays the news our beloved Miss America and friend, Leanza Cornett, has passed away.
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.
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.
At the moment, we do not have any further information regarding a service for Leanza and we ask that you please respect her family during this difficult time. Hold on tight to those you love today. Time is certainly precious.”
After the announcement, many well-known figures came forward to share their condolences and tribute to the deceased pageant winner.
Justine Barney tweeted,
“Condolences to the family of Miss America 1993 & Parker High alum Leanza Cornett. Went to church back in the day with her family. All good people.”
Likewise, Anchor Phile Amato wrote,
“Sad news. Former Miss America and Jacksonville native Leanza Cornett has died after a head injury. How Jacksonville is remembering her on Action News Jax This Morning.”
Moreover, her ex-husband Mark Steines wrote,
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of my ex-wife , Leanza the mother to our two extraordinary sons Kai and Avery. We will always remember the wonderful times shared during her short time here on earth. I find comfort knowing Kai and Avery will forever have the best guardian angel watching over them as they navigate life’s path. I ask that you please keep them as well as Leanza’s parents and her family in your prayers.”
As of now, Leanza Cornett’s family has not shared anything on her funeral. However, we will be sure to update more on her funeral once her family shares more on the subject.
Was Leanza Cornett Married? Who’s Her Husband?
Leanza was married once in her life. She was first married to broadcast journalist, Mark Steines. The pair had tied the knot on July 22, 1995. However, weeks after their wedding, Leanza was fired from her position in Entertainment Tonight, only to be replaced by her husband. The duo shared two sons, Kai Harper and Avery James.
Nonetheless, Leanza’s marriage weakened after rumors of her husband’s affair with children’s author Julie Freyermuth spread. She could not bear being cheated on filed for divorce in 2011. After two years, the couple was divorced in 2013. Later her ex-husband remarried Julie in Los Angeles in August 2016.
How Much is Leanza Cornett’s Net Worth?
Leanza Cornett was National Sweetheart in 1991. However, her fame came after she was crowned Miss America 1993. She was the first beauty queen to adopt AIDS awareness and prevention as her platform for her year of service. Moreover, she also became the first Miss America titleholders to refuse to wear the Miss America crown in public. Besides, she was also the first actress to play a live-action version of Ariel.
Leanza worked as a host for several TV shows like Entertainment Tonight, New Attitudes, and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire. Besides, she had also made guest appearances on shows such as Melrose Place, The Tick, and Fear Factor. Likewise, she had also worked as a reporter for Animal Planet’s coverage of the Eukanuba AKC National Dog Show. Before her death, Leanza Cornett possessed a net worth of $500k.
Leanza Cornett Wiki-Bio
Eva Leanza Cornett was born on June 10, 1971, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and was 49 years old at the time of her death. Leanza was born to her parents who were teachers. She graduated from Terry Parker High School and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2006. Lenza held American nationality and came from White ethnicity. She had a height of 5 feet and 3 inches.