Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 Miss USA pageant winner and correspondent for the entertainment news program “Extra,” has died at age 30.
Police said Kryst jumped from a Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday morning. Her family confirmed her death in a statement.
“It is with devastation and great sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. Her great light inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength,” said her family.
“Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host of Extra. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague, we know her impact will live on,” said her family.
Kryst, a former athlete and attorney from North Carolina, won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019 and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year.
When Kryst was crowned, it marked more than a personal triumph: it meant that, for the first time, three black women were the reigning Miss USA and Miss Teen USA and Miss America.
In a statement Sunday, the national “Extra” program described Kryst as “not only a vital part of our program, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences go out to all of her family and friends.”
Kryst provided remarks at last month’s Miss Universe pageant, which called her “one of the brightest, warmest and kindest people we have ever had the privilege to know. Our entire community mourns her loss.”
The University of South Carolina praised her, calling her “a woman of many talents.”
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