A woman who jumped to her death from a New York City high-rise apartment building has been identified as former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst. The beautiful pageant winner was also a correspondent for the entertainment news program “Extra.” She was only 30 years old.
Police said Kryst jumped from a Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday morning. Her family confirmed her death in a statement.
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.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” the statement said. “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.”
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.”
We first reported on Kryst as a part of the ‘Black Girl Magic’ phenomenon that happened in 2019 when, for the first time ever, three Black women simultaneously held titles from America’s biggest pageants.
Cheslie, Kaliegh Garris, and Nia Franklin were named Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America, respectively. Kryst even appeared on GMA to highlight the achievement.
It was a celebratory time for Black women in pageants and seemed as though Kryst and the others were riding the wave of stardom and destined for great things.
Besides working in law, Kryst operated a…