Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, has passed away at 30 years old.
Former beauty queen, fashion blogger, lawyer, and Extra TV correspondent fell from a "higher elevation" of a 60-story condominium in New York City just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, and was pronounced dead at the scene. An NYPD rep added that the death of Kryst, who lived on the ninth floor, appears to be a suicide, adding that a medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause of death.
"In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," her family said in a statement to Extra.
"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."
The statement continued,
"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. As we reflect on our loss, the family asks for privacy at this time."
Kryst was born in Jackson, Michigan, in 1991 and grew up in South Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina, and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2017.
As a civil litigator, she worked as a lawyer at the North Carolina firm Poyner Spruill LLP. She also founded the women's business apparel blog White Collar Glam.
In 2019, she won the title of Miss North Carolina USA, and after being crowned Miss USA 2019, she took a sabbatical from work.
