“She laughed and she shined”, she died at 30, says family.
2019 winner of the popular Miss USA pageant, Cheslie Kryst, has died after jumping from a 60-floor building near 350 W. 42nd Street at around 7:15 pm in New York City on Sunday, reported the state authorities.
Reportedly, the model and the Miss USA titleholder lived on the 9th floor of the Orion building. However, she was spotted on the 29th floor last time before death.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family said on Sunday. “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’s family added.
Kryst’s family has requested to respect their privacy in wake of the late model and beauty queen’s death.
On Sunday, Extra also paid heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, saying, “deepest condolences to all her family and friends”.
“Our hearts are broken,” reads the statement. “Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff.”
In 2019, Kryst, who was also an attorney, was titled Miss USA after competing in Miss North Carolina back in 2017. She and three other black women, Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe), Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA), and Nia Imani Franklin (Miss America), were the first black group of Americans to hold such renowned titles in the same year.
In 2019 during an interview with Good Morning America, Tunzi, Garris, and Kryst talked about their previous accomplishments, including Kryst speaking up about “breaking barriers” while expressing some disappointment over others’ views on their victory. “People will comment on our social media and be like, ‘Why are we talking about your race? You guys are just four, amazing women,'” she said during the interview. “And I’m like, ‘Yes, we are four amazing women, but there was a time when we literally could not win!’ “
