On January 30, NYC police officers were called to a Midtown high rise after a young woman jumped to her death. According to reports, the woman was discovered outside of the Orion building on W. 42nd Street around 7:15 a.m.
Woman Who Jumped From NYC Apartment Building Has Been Identified as Former Miss USA
Now, the woman who tragically died is being identified as 30-year-old Cheslie Kryst. If you’re a fan of the Miss USA pageants, Kryst may be a familiar name. Kryst, who was a lawyer and also a part-time 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. According to The New York Post, Kryst lived on the ninth floor of the building but it is believed she may have been on the 29th-floor terrace.
Witnesses say she was last seen alone before her tragic passing. In a statement issued by her family, they wrote, “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.”
Also on MU: Family of Deceased ’16 and Pregnant’ Star Speaks Out Following Tragic Passing, Confirms Her Cause of Death
Shortly before her passing, 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.
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.
However, police told The Post that she did leave behind a note addressing that all her possession should be left to her mom. According to the authorities, it did not include a reason for why she ultimately took her own life.
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 Kryst’s friends and family during this particularly difficult time.