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Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019 and 'Extra' correspondent, dies at 30: She 'embodied love'

Staff and wire reports

Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageant and a correspondent for the entertainment news program "Extra," has died at age 30.

Police said Kryst jumped from a Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday morning. On Monday, the medical examiner said she died by suicide.

According to police, Kryst's body was found at approximately 7 a.m. Sunday in front of the Orion building, a high-rise on West 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan.

Kryst's family shared a statement "in devastation and great sorrow" on Sunday following news of their "beloved" Cheslie's death. 

"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."

On Wednesday, Kryst's mother, April Simpkins, mourned the loss of her "sweet baby girl" in a statement to USA TODAY. 

"While her life on this earth was short, it was filled with many beautiful memories," Simpkins' statement said. "We miss her laugh, her words of wisdom, her sense of humor and mostly her hugs. She was a vital part of our family which makes this loss even more devastating,"  

"I love you baby girl with all my heart. I miss you desperately," Simpkins continued. "I know one day we’ll be together again. Until then, rest easy and in peace." 

Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageant and a correspondent for the entertainment news program "Extra," has died at age 30.

In a statement Sunday, the nationally syndicated program "Extra" called her "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."

From 2019:North Carolina lawyer Cheslie Kryst takes the Miss USA crown

Kryst, a former Division I athlete and North Carolina attorney, won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019, and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year. 

Kryst earned a law degree and an MBA at Wake Forest University before becoming a civil litigation attorney who does pro bono work to reduce sentences for inmates.

During the 2019 Miss USA competition, Kryst said during the final round that she was glad to be competing in Nevada partly because it's the first and only state in the nation with female majorities in both houses of the state legislature. 

That night, Kryst also told a story of how she'll never forget the time a judge at a law conference told her to wear a skirt instead of pants because judges prefer skirts. "Glass ceilings can be broken wearing either a skirt or pants," Kryst said. 

Kryst, a North Carolina attorney, won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019, and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year.

On Sunday, the Miss America official Twitter account issued a statement on Kryst's death.

"We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. Cheslie was an incredible example and a role model for so many," the statement read. "We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who knew her."

Shortly after earning the Miss USA title, Kryst represented the United States at the Miss Universe competition in 2019 and earned a spot in the top 10. With Kryst's Miss USA win, 2019 became the first year that all four major U.S.-based pageants were won by Black women — including Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa (as Miss Universe), Nia Franklin (as Miss America) and Kaliegh Garris (as Miss Teen USA). 

"Cheslie my friend, I am devastated," Tunzi wrote in an Instagram tribute Sunday. "didn't sleep a wink, caught in between not believing the news and trying to make sense of what is happening. You were supposed to send me photos of the outfit you were going to wear to a wedding this past Saturday and all the details that happened at the event. You took me by surprise Queen. I am not ready for a world you don't exist in."

Tunzi continued: "I hope you are resting easy now love. You meant everything to so many people and you forever will. You made a mark in this World and touched so many lives. We celebrate your life. I love you so, so much my forever friend and forever Miss USA." 

After winning the Miss USA title in May 2019, Kryst became a New York correspondent for "Extra" in October. 

University of South Carolina praised the former student-athlete, calling her “a woman of many talents.”

North Carolina U.S. Senator Thom Tillis shared on social media that he was "heartbroken to hear about the tragic death of former Miss North Carolina & Miss USA Cheslie Kryst."

He continued: "I enjoyed meeting her in my office in 2019, where we discussed a number of issues affecting North Carolinians. Susan & I are praying for her family during this difficult time." 

Television host and comedian Loni Love shared a conversation with her and Kryst on Twitter and wrote: "This is how I will remember #CheslieKryst…" Love called her "smart, beautiful and talented." 

"I wish we had more time …Such a wonderful young woman.. Condolences and prayers to her family.." Love concluded.

Early Sunday, Kryst shared an Instagram post captioned: "May this day bring you rest and peace." 

"Beautiful Ches, may you rest peacefully. We love you so much❤️" commented Miss Maryland USA Mariela Pepin. 

"Extra" correspondent Jennifer Lahmers commented: "Cheslie…. My sweet girl. I can’t believe it’s real." 

Miss Universe Albania 2019 Cindy Marina, who competed together with Kryst, shared a tribute to her own Instagram account, expressing that it was "difficult to understand why." 

"I met Cheslie a few times before Miss Universe and was in awe of her kindness, her grace, and of course her intelligence," Marina wrote. "When she spoke, people stopped and listened. I admired her for her tenacity and her determination to rise despite whatever odds may be stacked against you."

Marina continued: "It breaks my heart to think about what she may have been feeling to make a decision like this one. I wish it didn’t happen. I wish I could wake up tomorrow and this would all have been a bad dream." 

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Contributing: Pamela Avila, Hannah Yasharoff and Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

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