Image Source: Us Weekly
In the world of tragic news, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst has passed away at the age of 30.
Cheslie Kryst who represented the United States of America at Miss Universe 2019 and was also a correspondent at ‘Extra’ along with being an attorney passed away on Sunday and the New York Police Department confirmed that Cheslie’s death was by suicide. Her body was found at 7:15 am on Sunday on the sidewalk outside the Orion Condominium building in Manhattan.
The former beauty queen’s family said in a 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.”
Extra said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “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. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends.”
Hailing from North Carolina, Cheslie Kryst earned three degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of South Carolina and was working at civil litigation for a law firm to help reform America’s justice system. She had been helping prisoners who may have been wrongly accused or sentenced to get justice by either getting their sentences reduced or free of charge.
When Cheslie Kryst was crowned Miss USA 2019, that was the year when for the first time three Black women were reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America. The former beauty queen described herself as a ‘weird kid’ with a ‘unibrow’ who went on to be a part of a generation that belongs to empowered and successful women. During her question and answer round at the finale of Miss USA 2019, when she was asked to describe her generation in one word, she said, ‘Innovative’ and added, “I'm standing here in Nevada, in the state that has the first female majority legislature in the entire country. Mine is the first generation to have that forward-looking mindset that has inclusivity, diversity, strength, and empowered women. I'm looking forward to continued progress in my generation."
Miss Universe also took to their social media to mourn the passing away of Cheslie and wrote, “The Miss Universe and Miss USA Organizations are devastated to learn about the loss of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst. She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing, and she lit up every room she entered. Our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.” Not much has been soon as to why she took such a step but it has been reported that she left a note in her apartment that read that all her belongings should be given to her mother. She took to her social media to share a cryptic post just before she decided to commit suicide and wrote, “May this day bring you rest and peace”
Back in October 2019, Cheslie took to her Facebook page to share how she copes up with stress on World Mental Health Day, “I do a lot to make sure that I maintain my mental health. And the most important thing that I did is talk to a counselor. She’s really easy to talk to. She gives me great strategies especially if I’m sad or happy or have a busy month ahead of me. When I’m not talking to my counselor, I spend time at the end of the every single day just to decompress. I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies”.
In an essay that Cheslie wrote for Allure in March 2021, she said on turning 30, “Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women. When I was crowned Miss USA 2019 at 28 years old, I was the oldest woman in history to win the title, a designation even the sparkling $200,000 pearl and diamond Mikimoto crown could barely brighten for some diehard pageant fans who immediately began to petition for the age limit to be lowered. Turning 30 feels like a cold reminder that I’m running out of time to matter in society’s eyes - and it’s infuriating.”
The beauty queen and correspondent further mentioned about dealing with trolls, “My challenge of the status quo certainly caught the attention of the trolls, and I can’t tell you how many times I have deleted comments on my social media pages that had vomit emojis and insults telling me I wasn’t pretty enough to be Miss USA or that my muscular build was actually a “man body.” Women who compete in pageants are supposed to have a middle-of-the-road opinion — if any — so as not to offend. I openly supported the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and marched in protests over the summer. I wasn’t searching to collect more awards or recognition during my reign.”
Cheslie is an Emmy award-nominated television presenter who also had a White Collar Glam blog, which she started to help women navigate their style in the workplace.
May her soul rest in peace!
