Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, Jumps To Her Death From NYC High Rise
It's been confirmed that Cheslie Kryst, the winner of Miss USA 2019, committed suicide in the early morning hours of January 30. She jumped from the 60th floor of her apartment building in New York City and was found dead around 7:05am.
Cheslie Kryst won the 2019 Miss USA pageant while representing North Carolina. She was a lawyer and correspondent on Extra, and she appeared in Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick’s Colin in Black and White. Her family and the New York Police Department confirmed with the Hollywood Reporter that her death was in fact a suicide.
Cheslie Was Only 30 Years Old
Her death comes as a shock to many, especially considering her young age and lively personality. She was 30 years old at the time of her death, but she was the oldest woman to ever win the Miss USA title at 28 years old.
“Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength,” her family shared in a statement. “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,” the statement read. “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on.”
Cheslie Faced Online Bullying
Less than a year ago Cheslie penned an essay for Allure and admitted that she has been deeply affected by online bullying. "I can’t tell you how many times I have deleted comments on my social media pages that had vomit emojis and insults telling me I wasn’t pretty enough to be Miss USA or that my muscular build was actually a 'man body,'" she wrote.
Cheslie also admitted that turning 30 was a difficult birthday for her. "Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women," she said. "When I was crowned Miss USA 2019 at 28 years old, I was the oldest woman in history to win the title, a designation even the sparkling $200,000 pearl-and-diamond Mikimoto crown could barely brighten for some diehard pageant fans who immediately began to petition for the age limit to be lowered."
Sadly, Cheslie was a mental health advocate who seemed to struggle quite a bit with her own mental wellbeing, which is likely why she felt so passionate about this issue.
Her Last Instagram Post
Cheslie's last Instagram post has left many people questioning whether she was trying to send a message to her followers. The caption was simple: "May this day bring you rest and peace."
The comment section is already filled with fans and fellow celebrities who are sharing their sadness and condolences for Cheslie's family and friends. We don't know any other details about her death yet, and her family has requested privacy as they grieve and process the news.