Miss America 2019 Cheslie Kryst died from an apparent suicide Sunday morning, police said.
Kryst, 30, reportedly jumped from a luxury 60-story building at 350 W. 42nd St. in New York City around 7:15 a.m. eastern time, the New York Post reported.
The former beauty queen lived on the ninth floor of the Orion building and was last seen on the 29th-floor terrace, sources said.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” the former beauty queen’s family said in a statement. “Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined.
“Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA,” her family said. “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”
Shortly before she leaped to her death, the 2019 pageant winner posted on her Instagram account, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
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Insiders confirmed that Kryst left behind a note stating that she wanted her mother to have everything she owned. However, the note did not provide information regarding her actions.
“Not only beautiful but she was smart — she was a lawyer,” a police source said of Kryst. “She has a life that anyone would be jealous of. … It’s so sad.”
Kryst was crowned Miss USA as Miss North Carolina in May 2019, becoming one of four black women to hold a pageant title representing the USA in the same year. Nia Imani Franklin (Miss America) Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA), and Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe) — were all winners in their respective fields, People Magazine reported.
The Michigan native, an attorney, was also a correspondent for EXTRA TV.
“Our hearts are broken,” the company said in a statement. “Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show. She was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends.”
Kryst was an advocate for mental health and often shared her thoughts on coping with stress. In October 2019, she shared a Facebook post on World Mental Health Day.
“I do a lot to make sure that I maintain my mental health,” she said. “And the most important thing that I did is talk to a counselor. She’s really easy to talk to. She gives me great strategies especially if I’m sad or happy or have a busy month ahead of me.”
“When I’m not talking to my counselor, I spend time at the end of every single day to just decompress,” Kryst added. “I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies.”
If you know someone in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
