Former Miss America Colleen Kay Hutchins dies in California at age 83

Former Miss America Colleen Kay Hutchins dies

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Former Miss America Colleen Kay Hutchins has died. She was 83.

The 1952 winner of the beauty pageant died early Wednesday in her home in Newport Beach, Ca., according to her son, Kiki Vandeweghe, the interim coach and general manager of the New Jersey Nets of the NBA.

Vandeweghe said his mother had been ill for about six months. He did not disclose her illness.

“It was time. She was in a lot of pain,” Vandeweghe said.

Hutchins was a Salt Lake City resident when she was crowned as Brigham Young University Homecoming Queen in 1947. Five years later she won the Miss America title. Vandeweghe said his mother acted on Broadway for a couple of years.

She’s survived by her husband and four children, including Vandeweghe.

Vandeweghe missed the Nets’ game against the Miami Heat on Monday night so he could be with his family.

“I was really happy I went back. I was very lucky to spend some time with my dad,” Vandeweghe, who planned to coach the Nets on Wednesday for their game against Sacramento. “It was important, harder on him than anybody. It’s better for me to stay busy to tell you the truth.”