Miss USA 2019Cheslie Krysthas died, her family confirms to PEOPLE. She was 30.
Kryst reportedly lived on the ninth floor of the Orion building and was last seen on a 29th-floor terrace, according to the outlet.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” Kryst’s family said Sunday in a statement. “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 onExtra. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on,” they added.
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Kryst’s family is asking for privacy in wake of the late beauty queen’s death.
Cheslie Kryst is crowned Miss USA 2019.Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/Shutterstock
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“Our hearts are broken,” the statement read. “Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of ourExtrafamily and touched the entire staff.”
Kryst, an attorney, wascrowned Miss USAas Miss North Carolina in May 2019. She and three other women — Nia Imani Franklin (Miss America)Kaliegh Garris(Miss Teen USA) and Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe) — became thefirst group of Black womento hold the titles in a single year.
Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
Kryst, Garris, and Tunzi spoke about their historic accomplishment in a December 2019 interview withGood Morning America, where Krystopened up about “breaking barriers"while still feeling some disappointment over some people’s view of their success.
“People will comment on our social media and be like, ‘Why are we talking about your race? You guys are just four, amazing women,'” she said at the time. “And I’m like, ‘Yes, we are four amazing women, but there was a time when we literally could not win!’ "
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source: people.com
