Cheslie Kryst, the winner of the 2019 Miss USA pageant, died on Sunday in what officials have ruled a suicide. “NYPD responded to a 911 call at 7:13 AM to Cheslie’s midtown apartment building on 42nd Street,” TMZ reported. “Officers and paramedics responded, but she was pronounced dead on the scene.”
It was later reported that Police indicated that Kryst “jumped” from the apartment building. Kryst’s family released the following statement: 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. 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.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” the statement said. “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.” Kryst, a North Carolina attorney won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019 and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year. In a statement Sunday, the nationally syndicated program “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.”
