Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, died at the age of 30
Key Takeaways:
- Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, has died, according to her family. At the time, she was 30 years old.
- According to the outlet, Kryst lived on the 9th floor of the Orion building and was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace.
Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, has died, her family affirms to PEOPLE. She was 30 years old at the time.
According to The New York Post, Kryst died after jumping from a 60-story building at 350 W. 42nd Street in New York City between 7:15 a.m. local time on Sunday.
As per the outlet, Kryst lived on the 9th floor of the Orion building and also was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace.
"We share the devastation as well as great sorrow of our beloved Cheslie's passing," Kryst's family said in a statement released Sunday. "Her great light, with its beauty and strength, inspired others all over the world. She was a woman who cared, loved, laughed, and shone."
"Cheslie embodied love as well as served others in a variety of ways, including as a social justice attorney, Miss USA, as well as Extra host. But most importantly, we know her effect will live on as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, as well as a colleague, "They also added.
Kryst's family has requested privacy in the wake of the late beauty queen's death.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Sunday, Extra expressed its sorrow over Kryst's death as well as offered its "deepest condolences to all her family and friends."
The statement read, "Our hearts are broken." "Cheslie was not only an important part of our show, but she was also a beloved member of our Extra family who had an impact on the entire crew."
In May 2019, Kryst, an attorney, was crowned Miss USA as Miss North Carolina. Nia Imani Franklin (Miss America), Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA), as well as Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe) were the first Black women to grab the titles in the same year.
In a December 2019 interview with Good Morning America, Kryst, Garris, and Tunzi discussed their historic achievement. Kryst opened up about "breaking barriers" while still feeling disappointed by some people's perceptions of their success.
"People will say things like, 'Why are we talking about your race on social media?' You're only four incredible women,' she says "'At the time,' she said. "And I'm like, 'Yes, we're four incredible women, but there was a time when we couldn't even win!'"