Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA pageant winner, dies at 30
Global News
Her Miss USA win came in a special year, as 2019 marked the first time that the winners for Miss USA, Miss America and Miss Teen USA were all Black women.
Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageant, has died at age 30.
The former pageant winner died by an apparent suicide Sunday, reports ABC News.
“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,” her family shared in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
“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 captured the Miss USA title in 2019 as the representative of North Carolina.
Her win came in a special year, as 2019 marked the first time that the winners for Miss USA, Miss America and Miss Teen USA were all Black women.
Upon winning, Kryst said: “Mine is the first generation to have that forward-looking mindset that has inclusivity, diversity, strength and empowered women.”
Kryst, a former lawyer, most recently worked as a correspondent at EXTRA, and the entertainment program shared condolences on its Instagram account, with the message, “Our hearts are broken.”