Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, has died at the age of 30. Kryst, who was a lawyer, jumped from a 60-story Orion building at 350 W. 42nd St., on January 30, 2022 and was found dead in the street below, law enforcement sources disclosed.
Shortly before she jumped, Kryst posted on her Instagram page, “May this day bring you rest and peace”.
The former beauty queen’s family in a statement said: “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. 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”.
According to the family in the statement, 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’. The family further noted that they know her impact will live on.
Kryst, who lived on the ninth floor of the building, was alone when she jumped and was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace, sources revealed. Sources disclosed that Kryst left behind a note saying she wanted to leave everything to her mother, a former pageant competitor herself, who was crowned Mrs. North Carolina in 2002. The note didn’t include a motive for Kryst’s actions.
A police source said: “Not only beautiful but she was smart — she was a lawyer. She has a life that anyone would be jealous of. It’s so sad”.
Kryst, a former Miss North Carolina, won top honors at the 2019 Miss USA pageant, wearing a sparkly winged outfit for the National Costume competition, a nod to Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”.
Kryst also worked as a reporter for ExtraTV as she usually hosted red carpet shows. The company eulogizing the beauty queen in a statement said: “Our hearts are broken. 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”.
In October 2019, Kryst spoke out on Facebook for World Mental Health Day, offering tips on how she coped with stress. She disclosed at the time that she does a lot to maintain her mental health. According to her, the most important thing that she did is talk to a counselor.
“When I’m not talking to my counselor, I spend time at the end of every single day to just decompress. I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies”.
Cheslie Kryst
In 2020 Kryst discussed the issue again in an interview with ‘The Hilltop’. She disclosed that there are three things that she was doing with regard to self-care.
“No. 1, I try to set a regular schedule so my alarm rings every day at 6:45. I know that I’m getting up and I’m starting my day. Two, I try to set very clear boundaries, so even though I’m at home and I’ve got my computer, my phone with me, I’m done answering emails at 6 o’clock, I’m not responding to messages. It’s over”.
Cheslie Kryst
Third, she said, “I have a regular workout schedule that keeps my body healthy and my mind sharp”.
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