Miss USA 2019 has died.
Cheslie Kryst, 30, passed away on Jan. 30 after jumping or falling from her 60-story apartment building in New York City, according to The New York Post. The reported incident happened around 7:15 a.m. local time, the same estimated time Kryst’s Instagram account made a post. It was a professional headshot of hers with the caption, “May this day bring you rest and peace” followed by a heart emoji. She lived on the 9th floor but was seen on a 29th floor terrace shortly before her death.
Kryst, an attorney, was a part of history in 2019 as a part of a group of Black women to win Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe in a single year.
“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,” her family wrote in a statement. “But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on.”
The 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255. You can also text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 for the crisis text line or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
