Former Miss Universe candidate Cheslie Kryst dies at 30
Trigger Warning: Suicide.
After a cryptic Instagram post, former Miss Universe 2019 candidate Cheslie Kryst jumped from her condo unit in a 60-story building in New York City on January 30.
The 30-year old lawyer and entertainment media correspondent posted on her Instagram page before her death,
“May this day bring you rest and peace.”
Kryst won the Miss USA competition in 2019 and represented her home country in the 68th Miss Universe, wherein she placed in the Top 10. She competed with Philippine representative Gazini Ganados.
The pageant titleholder’s family confirmed her death in a statement,
“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.”
They added that Kryst had “embodied love and served others” as an attorney, as a beauty queen, and as a host on EXTRA.
“But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on,” her family said.
According to sources, Kryst had left a suicide note, indicating that her possessions be left to her mother. However, the note did not specify any motive for her actions.
Condolences from Kryst’s colleagues
EXTRA also released a statement regarding their reporter’s demise.
“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.”
In addition, the Miss Universe organization gave their message about Kryst.
“She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing … our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
Fellow beauty queens Gazini Ganados, Pia Wurtzbach, and Olivia Jordan also expressed their grief, leaving comments on Kryst’s last IG post.
In 2019, Kryst had spoken about mental health awareness on Facebook, sharing her coping mechanisms in dealing with stress. She shared,
“I do a lot to make sure that I maintain my mental health. When I’m not talking to my counselor, I spend time at the end of every single day to just decompress. I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies.”
If you are struggling or experiencing mental health issues, please call the following local suicide hotlines:
• National Institute for Mental Health
o 0917-899-USAP (8727)
o 0917-989-8727
• In Touch Philippines [Call Crisis Line, any time]
o +63 2 893 7603 (Landline)
o +63 917 800 1123 (Globe)
• Philippine Red Cross [24/7 suicide prevention hotline, toll-free]
o HOPELINE 2919 (for Globe & TM Subscribers)
o 091 7558 4673 or 8044673
• Manila Lifeline Centre [Contact by: – Phone]
o Hotline: (02) 8969191
o Hotline: 0917 854 9191
