(Trends Wide) — Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst died Sunday morning, her family and police said. I was 30 years old.
Kryst, who was crowned Miss USA in 2019, died after jumping from a building in Manhattan, according to the New York City Police Department.
“It is with devastation and great sorrow that we share in the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family said in a statement obtained by Trends Wide. “It was her great light that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, loved, laughed and shone.”
The former Miss USA winner posted a photo on Instagram before her death. “May this day bring you rest and peace,” she captioned a photo of herself.
Kryst was a lawyer looking to help reform America’s justice system. He received three degrees from two universities.
Hailing from North Carolina, Kryst practiced civil litigation for a law firm and worked to help inmates who may have been wrongfully sentenced receive reduced punishments, free of charge.
“Cheslie embodied love and service to others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA, and as the host of EXTRA,” her statement read. “But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague, we know her impact will live on.”
Kryst, who was licensed to practice in two states, earned his law degrees and MBA from Wake Forest University and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, where he track and field.
Kryst also worked as a correspondent for the entertainment news site ExtraTV.
“Our hearts are broken,” the company commented in a release. “Cheslie wasn’t just a vital part of our show. 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.”
In addition to working in law, she ran a fashion blog, White Collar Glam, for women’s workwear and volunteered for Dress for Success.
Call 1-800-273-8255 in the US to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Provides free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in suicidal or distressed crisis. You can learn more about their services here, including their guide on what to do if you spot suicidal signs on social media. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 to speak with someone about how you can help someone in crisis. Call 1-866-488-7386 for TrevorLifeline, a suicide prevention counseling service for the LGBTQ community.
For assistance outside the US, the International Association for Suicide Prevention provides a global directory of resources and international hotlines. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide.
See here where to look for help in Latin American countries and Spain.
