Cara McCollum, a former Miss New Jersey winner who competed in the 2013 Miss America pageant, died on Monday morning from injuries she sustained in a car accident.
She was 24 years old.
According to The Associated Press, McCollum was severely injured after her car spun off a New Jersey highway and slammed into a group of trees.
She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and authorities say McCollum may have been driving too quickly for the wet road conditions.
But alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the fatal crash.
An employee at a local TV station, McCollum passed away at Cooper University Hospital.
“Before she died, Cara made the selfless decision to donate her organs,” her family wrote on Facebook soon after their loved one died.
“At this very moment, she is saving lives.”
McCollum graduated from Princeton University and was an anchor on the news show SNJ Today, which aired in southern New Jersey.
“Very sad to learn of the passing of Miss New Jersey 2013 Cara McCollum,” New Jersey Governor Chris Christine Tweeted today, adding:
“Thoughts & prayers to her family, friends & the @MissAmericaOrg community.”
