Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA, is the woman who died after jumping to her death from a Midtown building on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials.
Kryst published the following on her Instagram feed just before she jumped: “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
According to insiders, the 30-year-old lawyer and 2019 pageant winner leaped from her opulent 60-story Orion skyscraper at 350 W. 42nd St. at around 7:15 a.m. and was discovered dead in the street below.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” the family of the former beauty queen released a statement on Sunday
“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,” her family said. “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”
According to sources, Kryst, who lived on the ninth level of the building, leapt alone and was last seen on a terrace on the 29th floor.
According to sources, Kryst left behind a statement stating that she wanted to leave everything to her mother, who was named Mrs. North Carolina in 2002 and is herself a previous pageant competitor. According to sources, the note did not explain why Kryst took the things she did.
“Not only beautiful but she was smart — she was a lawyer,” a police source said of Kryst. “She has a life that anyone would be jealous of. … It’s so sad.”
In a reference to Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Kryst, a former Miss North Carolina, took home top honors at the 2019 Miss USA pageant while wearing a sparkling winged costume for the National Costume competition.
Kryst was a reporter for ExtraTV as well.
“Our hearts are broken,” the company said in a statement. “Cheslie was 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.”
Kryst shared advice on coping with stress on Facebook in support of World Mental Health Day in October 2019.
“I do a lot to make sure that I maintain my mental health,” she said. “And the most important thing that I did is talk to a counselor. She’s really easy to talk to. She gives me great strategies especially if I’m sad or happy or have a busy month ahead of me.
“When I’m not talking to my counselor, I spend time at the end of every single day to just decompress,” Kryst added. “I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies.”
She revisited the subject in an interview with The Hilltop in 2020.
“There are three things that I’m doing with regard with self-care,” Kryst said. “No. 1, I try to set a regular schedule so my alarm rings every day at 6:45. I know that I’m getting up and I’m starting my day.
“Two, I try to set very clear boundaries, so even though I’m at home and I’ve got my computer, my phone with me, I’m done answering emails at 6 o’clock, I’m not responding to messages. It’s over.”
Third, she said, “I have a regular workout schedule that keeps my body healthy and my mind sharp.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.