The father of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst opened up for the first time since his daughter’s death last month.
Rodney Kryst, 62, shared detailed information about the 30-year-old’s life before she leaped to her death from a Manhattan high-rise on Sunday, Jan. 30. He said his daughter was a “pure” soul who never used alcohol or drugs, and depression was likely why she had taken her own life, the New York Post reported.
“She was pure as can be. She didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,” Kryst told the outlet. “She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.”
Kryst revealed that “family dysfunction” also played a significant factor leading up to the beauty queen’s death.
“I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction, but it will be a while before we can talk more. She was sad.”
The 62-year-old, a Polish American and former bodybuilder, was married to Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, a human resources executive, and divorced when the Extra correspondent was a child. Though the former couple had four children together, Simpkins later remarried.
As Sis2Sis previously reported, police discovered Kryst’s body on Sunday morning at the Orion building, where she lived on the 29th floor.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” Kryst’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.”
Simpkins said she and her daughter formed a close bond and that she was her “very best friend.”
“Cheslie — to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles. We talked, FaceTimed or texted one another all day, every day. You were more than a daughter — you were my very best friend. Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were infectious,” Simpkins said.
“I love you, baby girl, with all my heart. I miss you desperately. I know one day we’ll be together again. Until then, rest easy and in peace,” she added.
On Monday, Kryst’s grandfather, Gary Simpkins, said the family has been trying to cope with the loss of their beloved family member.
“To be extinguished so fast is just devastating,” Simpkins said Monday. “So hard to imagine one minute they’re here and one minute they’re not. And you know that the only [way] you’ll ever see them again is when you yourself pass away.”
