Miss USA 2019 And 'Extra' Host Cheslie Kryst Dies By Suicide At Age 30
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Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst has died at the age of 30.
Kryst was a civil attorney who provided free legal services for prisoners who may have been wrongfully convicted.
"Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength," Kryst's family said.
Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, has died by suicide at the age of 30. Authorities have confirmed that Kryst died on Sunday after jumping from the 60-story Orion building in Midtown Manhattan, according to CNN and People.
"In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," Kryst's family said in a statement. "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."
Kryst worked as an attorney providing free legal services to people who may be wrongfully imprisoned. She was also an entertainment news correspondent for Extra.
"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," her family added.
Extra released its own statement, per People: "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." The outlet offered its "deepest condolences to all her family and friends."
Kryst belonged to a trailblazing group of pageant winners. She, Kaleigh Garris (Miss Teen USA), Nia Imani Franklin (Miss America), Toni-Ann Singh (Miss World), and Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe) were the first group of Black women to hold all of the titles at the same time, per CNN.
"Three of the last four Miss USAs were women of color—there was Kara McCullough, there was Deshauna Barber—and that was important for me to see," Kryst told the outlet in 2019. "People didn't think, 'Oh, that's enough [Black winners],'" she added. "It's still possible for us to be successful on your own merit. And it doesn't matter if you look like the last winner, [if] you look like the last three. If you're the best, you're the best, and you can win."
NYPD will investigate the circumstances around Kryst's death, Detective Martin Brown announced today.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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