Her family confirmed the news in a statement, saying, in part, „Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength.“<\/b>
\nNEW YORK (CBSNewYork) \u2014 Cheslie Kryst, who was the 2019 winner of the Miss USA Pageant, has died at the age 30. Sources told CBS2 Kryst died by suicide on Sunday morning in Midtown. Kryst was also an attorney in North Carolina and a correspondent for the entertainment news program Extra. READ MORE: Breaking The Stigma: CBS2\u2019s Cindy Hsu Shares Her Most Personal Story With Dana Tyler Her family confirmed the news in a statement, saying, \u201cIn 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. 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. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague \u2014 we know her impact will live on.\u201d Reaction poured in from those who knew her, including CBS Mornings host Gayle King, who wrote on Instagram, \u201cThis hurts\u2026 and I can\u2019t stop thinking about the lovely Cheslie Kryst. She was walking sunshine to me. I knew her\u2026 cared about her\u2026 and am deeply saddened. How to explain the unexplainable?\u201d Former Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz called Kryst the \u201ckindest, most beautiful soul you could come across.\u201d The Miss Universe and Miss USA organizations released the following statement: \u201cShe was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing \u2026 our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.\u201d If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24-7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Just call 1-800-273-8255. For more resources, please click here. Editor\u2019s note: This story was first published Jan.30.<\/p>\n