Brynn Leigh Carnesecca

It is not natural for a mother to have to write her daughter’s obituary, especially when my daughter is one of the most talented writers to ever live. Our sweet Brynn Leigh Carnesecca lived with a serious medical condition affecting her brain — a mental health disorder — that ultimately took her precious life on July 26, 2026, in American Fork, Utah. Although this health condition was often unseen, she faced it with bravery and courage. Her illness does not define her; she will be remembered for the love, light and joy she brought into the lives of those who knew her.

Brynn was born a princess on August 14, 2004, in American Fork, Utah. We are so grateful for the 21 tender years we shared with our daughter, sister, sister-in-law, niece, cousin, granddaughter and friend.

Brynn was the third of five children born to Chad and Michele Carnesecca, and she was adored by her brothers, sisters, parents and extended family. When Brynn was little, she loved to dress like a princess every single day, complete with gowns, high heels and a crown — even when sleeping. She loved Barbies, jewelry, makeup and all girly things. When Brynn started speaking as a toddler, she had an English accent, which would make us giggle. As a little girl, she said to me, “Mom, I wish our house was a castle, our car was a stagecoach and our bikes were horses.”

Ever since she was a baby, we knew Brynn was extremely smart and talented. We could see that her brain was always processing information faster than most. She began reading early, writing early and speaking early. She had the quickest mind, could beat anyone at any fast-paced game and could type as quickly as she spoke. Brynn was a hard worker and liked to get things done. She was often described as a “girl boss” because she was a powerful force everywhere she went. She was self-motivated, driven, always prepared, on time and fully engaged in whatever she did.

To know Brynn was to love her. Brynn loved playing the piano, strumming the guitar, singing, listening to music, attending concerts, going to musicals, watching movies, acting, writing, reading, writing poetry, creating art, sewing, planning themed parties, making crafts, traveling, organizing, expressing herself through fashion, working hard, shopping, enjoying a sweet treat, playing games, relaxing at home, swimming, talking and joking around the dinner table with her family and cuddling with her dog, Kona. Brynn loved to laugh, and she was oh so funny and witty.

But most importantly, Brynn loved to serve. She thought more about others than herself. Through her service, Brynn created a sewing class for children and helped teach workshops that encouraged children to express their feelings through writing. She started a program called “Envelopes of Hope” to help incarcerated individuals in the state of Utah receive hope through letters. She served the homeless and those less fortunate. She created toy drives for children affected by abuse. She served as Miss American Fork in 2024 and loved meeting and serving the people of the city. However, most of Brynn’s service was done quietly, behind closed doors, with a kind note, a handwritten poem, flowers, a much-needed hug or a listening ear. She had great compassion and love for everyone she met. Children were drawn to her for her kind and gentle ways, and because she really listened to, talked with, and played with them.

Brynn loved everyone. She didn’t care what you looked like, your political preference, your sexual orientation, your religious affiliation, how many degrees you had, if you were rich or poor or in-between, how many followers you had or how famous you were. She simply loved people without conditions. She saw you for who you were, and she loved you for it. May we all strive to be more like that.

Brynn lived in Cedar Hills, Morgan, and American Fork, Utah. She graduated from American Fork High School with honors, where she was the English Sterling Scholar. She later served in the Canada Vancouver Mission, where she learned to speak Mandarin Chinese. Shortly after, Brynn attended Brigham Young University where she pursued a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in editing. While in the journalism program, Brynn received the Kappa Tau Alpha Top Scholar Award and was on the Dean’s List. Brynn wrote for the American Fork Citizen, Lehi Free Press and KSL. She worked with her sister, Cate, at BYU’s The Universe as a reporter. She interned at Utah Valley Magazine and Good Things Utah. She loved her time in London while studying abroad and met dear friends there. She was very active socially and enjoyed any gathering where she could be with friends — even if it meant attending a football game she didn’t quite understand. While competing in the Miss Utah pageant, Brynn received the Talent Award for her piano performance and was named Miss Congeniality. We can certainly see why—she loved people.

Brynn is survived by her biggest fan and father, Chad Allen Carnesecca; her amazed mother, Michele Leigh Reid Carnesecca; her protective brother, Brady, and his wife, Makenna; her brother Anthony, who always made her laugh, and his wife, Kaitlyn; her sidekick and best friend, Cate; her youngest brother, who she loved to mother, Ethan; and her “fluffer puppers” dog, Kona. Brynn is lucky enough to have a supportive family filled with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who loved and adored her. She was also lucky enough to have genuine friends who supported her through thick and thin. If you were lucky enough to know Brynn, YOU were lucky enough.

One of the phrases we are hearing most about Brynn is that she was a “bright light.” We know she is still shining, and she is probably already getting things in order, being the “girl boss” that she is. We are grateful to have a powerful angel on our side to help us through our lives.

We love you, Brynnie Winnie. You will be remembered in every song we sing, every flower that blooms, every joke we hear and every breath we take. In short, you will be remembered always, and you will be with us forever and ever and ever and ever. We look forward to the day when we can hug you and laugh with you again. Love you, my sweet, gifted, kind, loving, brave, beautiful and strong girl. Until we hold you again, may you rest in perfect peace.

Brynn’s family would love to express their gratitude for all the kind words, messages, gatherings in her honor, flowers, food donations, monetary donations and for simply mourning with us. To all of you who are struggling with your own mental health condition, we see you, we love you and we know there is always hope. For those of you who have been deeply affected by Brynn’s passing, our home and our hearts are open to you. Please come sit with us, talk with us, cry with us and remember Brynn with us as we navigate this together.

Brynn’s family invites you to celebrate her life at her funeral service on August 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. MDT at the Alpine Tabernacle (110 East Main Street, American Fork, Utah). For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed using the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/lE0tPwbV-cM?feature=share

Interment at the American Fork Cemetery will be by invitation only.