Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst dead at 30, family says

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Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA winner and a correspondent at “Extra,” has died at the age of 30, according to a statement issued Sunday evening by her family and obtained by WSOC.

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Police told The Washington Post that Kryst was pronounced dead after apparently jumping from an apartment building in Manhattan early Sunday morning.

Incredibly sad to share this news. A spokesperson for Cheslie Kryst, former Miss North Carolina and Miss USA 2019, has shared the news Kryst has died.

She was 30 years old. pic.twitter.com/23YhYI6qia
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) January 30, 2022

“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 embodies 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. As we reflect on our loss, the family asks for privacy at this time,” the family wrote.

According to WSOC, Kryst, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, was crowned Miss USA in May 2019. The former attorney passed the crown in November 2022, the TV station reported.

In a statement obtained by Variety, “Extra” offered its “deepest condolences” to Kryst’s family and friends.

“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,” the statement read.

According to Variety, Kryst was born in Jackson, Michigan, and earned both her law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University in 2017. As Miss USA 2019, she finished in the top 10 of that year’s Miss Universe competition and went on to earn two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding entertainment news program for her work on “Extra.”

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