Cheslie KrystThe 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageantAs a correspondent on the entertainment news program “Extra,”At the age of 30, he died.
Kryst, according to police, jumped from an apartment building in Manhattan and was declared dead on the spot Sunday morning. In a statement, her family confirmed her death.
According to police Kryst was found dead in front of Orion Building, a midtown Manhattan high-rise, around 7 a.m. Sunday.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,”According to the 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. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”
Nationally syndicated programming was announced Sunday. “Extra”called her “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.”
Beginning 2019Cheslie Kryst of North Carolina wins Miss USA.
Kryst, a North Carolina attorney, won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019, and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year.
Kryst graduated from Wake Forest University with a law and MBA. After that, she became a civil litigation attorney.
Kryst, the 2019 Miss USA Competition winner, stated that she was glad to compete in Nevada as it is the only state with both houses of the Nevada legislature having a female majority.
Kryst shared a story about how a judge told her to wear skirts at a conference because she prefers skirts. “Glass ceilings can be broken wearing either a skirt or pants,”Kryst spoke.
On Sunday, Miss America Official Twitter account issues a statement on Kryst’s death.
“We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. Cheslie was an incredible example and a role model for so many,”This is the statement. “We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who knew her.”
Kryst was selected to represent the United States at Miss Universe 2019 in 2019. With Kryst’s Miss USA win, 2019 became the first year that all four major U.S.-based pageants were won by Black women — including Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa (as Miss Universe), Nia Franklin (as Miss America) and Kaliegh Garris (as Miss Teen USA).
Kryst won the Miss USA title May 2019 and was made a New York correspondent. “Extra”October
North Carolina U.S. Senator Thom Tillis shared via social media that he was “heartbroken to hear about the tragic death of former Miss North Carolina & Miss USA Cheslie Kryst.”
He continued: “I enjoyed meeting her in my office in 2019, where we discussed a number of issues affecting North Carolinians. Susan & I are praying for her family during this difficult time.”
Loni Love, a comedian and television host, shared a conversation on Twitter with Kryst and wrote: “This is how I will remember #CheslieKryst…”Love is what she calls home “smart, beautiful and talented.”
“I wish we had more time …Such a wonderful young woman.. Condolences and prayers to her family..”Love was concluded.
Sunday morning Kryst shared an Instagram photo captioned: “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
“Beautiful Ches, may you rest peacefully. We love you so much❤️”Mariela Pepin, Miss Maryland USA Commentator
“Extra” correspondent Jennifer Lahmers commented: “Cheslie…. My sweet girl. I can’t believe it’s real.”
Miss Universe Albania 2019 Cindy Marina, who competed together with Kryst, shared a tribute to her own Instagram account, expressing that it was “difficult to understand why.”
“I met Cheslie a few times before Miss Universe and was in awe of her kindness, her grace, and of course her intelligence,” Marina wrote. “When she spoke, people stopped and listened. I admired her for her tenacity and her determination to rise despite whatever odds may be stacked against you.”
Marina continued: “It breaks my heart to think about what she may have been feeling to make a decision like this one. I wish it didn’t happen. I wish I could wake up tomorrow and this would all have been a bad dream.”
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Contributing: Pamela Avila USA Today; The Associated Press
