Former Miss USA dies after falling from New York apartment

Former Miss USA winner Cheslie Kryst died on Sunday morning at the age of 30 after falling from her high-rise building in New York City. On Sunday morning, New York police responded to a call that the model had tumbled from the skyscraper. And as the police reached her place, the star was pronounced dead on the spot.

Cheslie was crowned Miss USA in May 2019 and placed in the top ten of the Miss Universe competition the same year. Hours before Cheslie died, she had posted a picture of her on her Instagram and captioned it saying:

May this day bring you rest and peace.

Possibly a suicide

Kryst died after falling from an apartment building in Manhattan, New York, while she was home alone. Police stated that her death was most likely a suicide. She was pronounced dead at the scene on West 42nd Street, where she was discovered around 7 a.m. on Sunday. According to the New York Post, she was last seen on a 29th storey terrace of her building while her apartment was on the ninth floor.

She reportedly left a statement stating that she was giving all of her stuff to her mother. Her family issued the following statement:

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. 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 ExtraTV.

But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.

Tribute to the angel

Following her Miss USA success, Cheslie worked as an attorney in addition to working on the entertainment show ExtraTV. She utilised her pageant victory to advocate for social and criminal justice reform. Friends and fans expressed their sympathies on her Instagram post after hearing the news. Model Siera Bearchell said:

An angel who will be so greatly missed.

The Bachelor star Mari Pepin wrote:

Beautiful Ches, may you rest peacefully. We love you so much.

Miss USA 2015 and actress Olivia Jordan added:

Rest peacefully sister. The world will miss you and the light you shone so bright.

Further, ExtraTV also released a statement which paid tribute to their host and wrote:

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. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends.