Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA and "Extra" correspondent, jumped to her death Sunday from a Midtown high-rise, law enforcement sources told multiple news outlets.
According to police sources, Kryst jumped early Sunday morning from the 60-story Orion building, where she resides on the ninth floor. She was discovered dead in the street below. She was last seen on a terrace on the 29th floor of the building.
"We mourn the loss of our beloved Cheslie with devastation and great sorrow," her family said in a statement obtained by CNN.
Prior to her death, the former Miss USA posted an Instagram photo. "I wish you rest and peace on this day," she wrote alongside a photo of herself.
According to sources, Kryst left behind a note stating that she wanted to leave everything to her mother, who was crowned Mrs. North Carolina in 2002. Sources added the note did not include an explanation for Kryst's actions.
Kryst, a former Miss North Carolina, won top honors at the 2019 Miss USA pageant, donning a glistening winged gown for the National Costume competition, a nod to Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
She previously worked as a complex civil litigation legal counsel in North and South Carolina. She has been a correspondent for the entertainment broadcast newsmagazine "Extra" since October 2019, earning two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work.
In a statement from her representatives, Kryst's family described her as "one who inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength."
Following the news, several beauty queens took to social media to express their grief over Kryst's untimely demise.
Olivia Jordan, Miss USA 2015, and Iris Mittenare, Miss Universe 2016, both commented on Kryst's most recent Instagram post.
Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe Philippines 2019, shared a throwback video with Kryst and other Miss Universe candidates.
"I'm still in shock that I'll never see you again.... You will be missed, as will the light you [shine]. Another angel has been added to Heaven," she wrote.
Kryst spoke out on Facebook in October 2019 for World Mental Health Day, offering tips on how she dealt with stress.
Apart from her legal career, she ran a fashion blog for women's workwear called White Collar Glam and volunteered for Dress for Success.
