After the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Cheslie Kryst manner of death a suicide, her mother is speaking out.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Cheslie Kryst, who was a former attorney and former Miss USA 2019, died by suicide on January 30 after she jumped from her New York City apartment building. Kryst was just 30 years old.
RELATED: Woman Who Jumped From NYC Apartment Building Has Been Identified as Former Miss USA
Cheslie Kryst’s Mother Speaks Out Following Daughter’s Tragic Passing
Now, her mother, April Simpkins, is speaking out for the first time since her daughter’s tragic passing. “I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed,” Simpkins began her statement to People.
“Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed. While it may be hard to believe, it’s true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone — including me, her closest confidant — until very shortly before her death.”
Simpkins called her daughter a “vital part” of their family. “We miss her laugh, her words of wisdom, her sense of humor, and mostly her hugs. We miss all of it — we miss all of her. She was a vital part of our family which makes this loss even more devastating.”
April and Cheslie, though mother and daughter, were also the very best of friends. “Cheslie — to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles. We talked, FaceTimed, or texted one another all day, every day. You were more than a daughter — you were my very best friend.”
“Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were infectious,” Simpkins said toward the end of her statement. “I love you baby girl with all my heart. I miss you desperately. I know one day we’ll be together again. Until then, rest easy and in peace.”
As Mamas Uncut previously reportedly, shortly before her passing, Cheslie Kryst took to her Instagram account to post a photo of herself along with a message saying, “May this day bring you rest and peace,” which was accompanied by the red heart emoji.
Cheslie Kryst was quite active on social media sharing her daily life, work-life, and other interests with her over 228,000 followers. It has not been immediately clear if Kryst sought out help for her mental health or if she had been dealing with anything in particular prior to her passing.
Kryst, who is currently an entertainment reporter for EXTRA, won the Miss USA pageant in 2019. Her win was historic, as People reports. Kryst, along with Miss America Nia Imani Franklin, Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris, and Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi became the first group of Black women to hold the titles in a single year.
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheslie Kryst’s friends and family during this particularly difficult time.
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