Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst who is a lawyer by profession jumped from the 60-story Orion building at 350 W. 42nd St. around 7:15 a.m on Sunday, Jan. 30. and was found dead in the street below the building, sources revealed.
Kryst, who lived on the ninth floor of the building, was alone when she jumped and was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace, sources said, according to New York Post.
Just hours before she jumped, Kryst wrote on her Instagram page, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
The former beauty queen’s family confirmed the sad news in a statement that reads: “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. 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 EXTRA.
“But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”
ExtraTV, where Kryst worked as a reporter, said in a statement: “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.”
According to police, the former Miss USA left a note giving everything to her mother but did not offer an explanation for her action.
Kryst’s devastated father revealed that he believed she may have been depressed due to ‘family dysfunction.’ Rodney Kryst, 62, broke his silence Tuesday from his Charlotte, NC, home Tuesday and said his daughter was ‘pure’ and that she didn’t have any sort of substance abuse problem’.
‘She was pure, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,’ he told New York Post. ‘She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.’
Robert Kryst and Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, who have four children together, split up when Cheslie was young, he said.
Kryst, who is a Polish-American former bodybuilder, said he believes her depression and death had to do with ‘family dysfunction.’
‘But it will be awhile before we can talk more,’ he added. ‘She was sad.’
In 2020, Cheslie Kryst posted a video to social media dedicated to her dad on Father’s Day. She talked about how he introduced her to athletics and how he told endless stories about his bodybuilding days. She also talked about her stepfather, and how both men in her life were inspirations.
‘Today is a special day to show appreciation to all the fathers and father figures who have made our lives special,’ Kryst said in the video.
‘My dad introduced me to athletics. He took my siblings and me to the track every weekend when we were young when we didn’t want to. And he told us endless stories of his bodybuilding days.’
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(Mental health is very important, be kind R.I.P🕊💔💐)
