Who Was Cheslie Kryst? Former Miss USA Jumps To Death In New York: Reports

Who is Cheslie Kryst: A prominent lawyer and model who was crowned Miss USA in 2019 reportedly plunged to death from a New York high-rise this past weekend. Cheslie Kryst, 30, was found dead on the street below Orion Building in Manhattan Sunday morning. She lived in an apartment on the ninth floor of the 60-storeyed building.

Kryst's family confirmed her death in a statement. "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... we know her impact will live on," they said.

The final post on Kryst's Instagram page, which has over three lakh followers, was made not long before her death. It was a close-up picture of the model, with the caption, "May this day bring you rest and peace ❤️"

According to the New York Post, Kryst allegedly jumped from the building around 7:15 AM. Sources, as quoted in the report, said she was last seen alone on a terrace on the 29th floor around the time of her death. Kryst reportedly left behind a note in which she bequeathed everything she had to her mother, also a former model.

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Kryst's death has sent shockwaves across the modelling industry, with many names mourning the tragedy. "This is heartbreaking and unbelievable, you were always an inspiration to many. Rest In Peace Cheslie," Harnaaz Sandhu, recently crowned Miss Universe, wrote on Instagram.

After Sandhu's win in December, Kryst interviewed her for Extra news, for which she was a Daytime Emmy-nominated correspondent. "...even in the hectic rush of getting makeup touch ups and adjusting her crown, she was poised and personable," Kryst wrote in a special post for Sandhu on Instagram.

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Model Nia Sanchez wrote on Kryst's profile, "There are no words. Your light will continue to shine. ✨💔" Wrestler-model Rima Fakih Slaiby wrote, "May you Rest In Peace Queen 🙏🏽" Journalist and television presenter Joelle Garguilo wrote, "I need to say once more… you were the brightest light. My heart can’t comprehend this and just need to say you are so incredibly loved💔" 

Hailing from Michigan, Kryst held degrees in law and business. She was a practicing attorney with a firm in North Carolina. She was noted for her pro bono defence work with drug offenders. She was the sister of famous American soccer player Asa Kryst.

A statement from the channel Kryst worked with as presenter read, "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."