Beloved Pageant Queen Dies at 21 Following ‘Tragic Accident’

British pageant queen Eleisha Skinner has died at age 21, over three years after she was crowned Miss Faversham 2022.

Skinner’s death was announced by the Faversham Carnival Club with a social media post shared on Thursday, Jan. 22. The local English organization expressed its “deep regret and sadness” as the post noted that she died on Jan. 8 “following a tragic accident.”

The heartbreaking Facebook update continued, “Eleisha was a fantastic Ambassador for Faversham and a truly lovely girl. We all have some lovely memories of our time spent with her.” The Carnival Club detailed that a “celebration of her life” is set to be held at the Faversham Parish Church on Feb. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time,” the post concluded. “Eleisha will be missed by so many.”

Several comments on the announcement paid tribute to the late pageant winner’s memory, with many describing her as “lovely” and a “wonderful role model.” One person remembered Skinner as “such a beautiful and caring young lady,” adding that she “always smiled and made time to say hello when we saw her.”

Another Facebook user furthered the sentiment, commenting, “Her sparkling personality and dedication will never be forgotten.”

The Faversham Carnival Club did not share specific information about the nature of the fatal “accident” in its initial announcement. However, Skinner’s parents opened a GoFundMe to raise money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance service. The page has reached just over 80 percent of its £4,000 (about $5,440 USD) goal.

“With the amazing response of the emergency services, we were able to spend her last few days with her. The air ambulance doctor was fantastic,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “We would like to raise funds in Eleisha’s name to support this charity, so they can continue the amazing work that they do.”

Skinner’s parents did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment.