Cheslie Kryst's final Instagram post wished her followers rest and peace. Unbeknownst to the world, she would take her own life soon after sharing her encouraging message by jumping from her high-rise apartment in New York City.
Her 2019 Miss USA victory helped make incredible history in America. Cheslie won Miss USA, Nia Franklin won Miss America, and Kaleigh Garris won Miss Teen USA that year; all were Black contestants.
The nation as a whole appeared to be in awe of Cheslie. She was a civil litigation attorney who also had an MBA degree. She did pro-bono work for inmates who requested sentence reduction and was a news/media correspondent. Cheslie was the epitome of beauty and brains. Her untimely death left many people to ask why?
According to her mother, April Simpkins, Cheslie suffered from depression and hid it from the world. Her mother gave the following statement to NBC News, "she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone — including me, her closest confidant — until very shortly before her death."
The world will surely miss her light. We send our deepest condolences to Cheslie's loved ones during this difficult time. If you or anyone you know are is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Photo Credit: Cheslie Kryst
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