Sandy MaloneNew York, NY – An Emmy-nominated correspondent for Extra TV who was crowned Miss USA in 2019 hurled herself to her death from a midtown skyscraper on Sunday morning.
Sources said that Cheslie Kryst, a 30-year-old attorney originally from North Carolina, jumped from the 60-story Orion building in the 300-block of 42nd Street at about 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 30, the New York Post reported.
Kryst lived alone on the 9th Floor of the Orion building, but she was last seen on the terrace on the 29th floor.
The preliminary investigation indicated that the 2019 Miss USA had committed suicide although police said the investigation was ongoing, the New York Post reported.
Sources said Kryst left a suicide note that said she was leaving everything to her mother, but didn’t explain why she took her own life.
“Not only beautiful but she was smart — she was a lawyer,” a police source told the New York Post. “She has a life that anyone would be jealous of… It’s so sad.”
Kryst was 27 and best known for providing free legal services to incarcerated individuals when she won the beauty pageant in 2019 in a competition against a challenging field of women that included military members, nurses, and teachers, WCYB reported at the time.
The year she was Miss USA was considered a benchmark because the titles of Miss America and Miss Universe were also held by black women.
Shortly before she died, the beauty queen posted a picture to Instagram with the message “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
I’m in huge disbelief. RIP Cheslie Kryst. I can’t believe this. We never know what another person is going trough. Rest In Peace, queen. pic.twitter.com/rKutYW75f4
— Arturo | Q DE QUEER 🏳️🌈 (@arturohcarvajal) January 30, 2022
Her family released a statement confirming the attorney’s death later in the day on Jan. 30.
Checked my email and so happened to see a PR email announcing the death of @CheslieKryst, Miss USA 2019. pic.twitter.com/8LXHXMhMyt
— Jasmine Styles (@JasmineStylesTV) January 30, 2022
“Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength,” the statement read. “She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined.”
Rest In Peace, Cheslie Kryst. My heart is with the MUO and all who have been touched by her bravery and grace.
You are never alone. You are loved and your life matters. 🖤
— Miss Minnesota (@MissAmericaMN) January 30, 2022
Absolutely devastated over the news of Cheslie Kryst. Her light will shine forever and her life made marks on thousands of women and girls, including myself. Please check on the people you love today and hug the ones near you a little tighter.
— Caroline Pettey (@CarolinePettey) January 30, 2022
“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,” it read.
Holly Matkin
