The Okaloosa County community is mourning the tragic loss of 18-year-old Kadence Frederickson, a beloved teen known for her resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. Kadence lost her life in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer in Santa Rosa County on the afternoon of February 17, 2025.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the Munson area, on Highway 4 near Hurricane Lake Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 56-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer, a Milton resident, sustained only minor injuries.
A Life Marked by Resilience and Advocacy
Kadence’s early years were filled with hardship as she endured abuse, neglect, and homelessness while in the care of her biological mother and stepfather. She moved frequently, never staying in one place for long, and found solace in a stuffed horse she had received on her first birthday. Eventually, she was removed from her unstable home and placed in the care of her biological father and stepmother, who later adopted her. With their love and support, Kadence turned her pain into a powerful mission to help other children facing similar struggles.
Founder of Kada’s Promise and Community Leader
Despite her difficult beginnings, Kadence grew into an inspiring young woman who dedicated herself to helping others. She founded Kada’s Promise, an organization that provides teddy bears and blankets to crisis centers, trauma centers, abuse shelters, and counseling centers. Her goal was to bring hope and comfort to children in dire situations, just as she had once longed for during her struggles.
