Miss USA winner found dead at just 30
Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA winner and a correspondent at Extra, has died by suicide in New York at the age of 30 years old.
Her death was confirmed to Variety by Extra, who provided a statement from Kryst’s family that said, “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. 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 — we know her impact will live on. As we reflect on our loss, the family asks for privacy at this time."
Extra also released a statement that read, "Our hearts are broken. 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 was born in 1991 in Michigan, and followed in her mother’s footsteps by entering pageants. Before taking the pageant world by storm, she attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in marketing and human resource management, before attending the Wake Forest University School of Law, where she received her MBA and Juris Doctor in 2017.
While training in and practicing law, Kryst entered the Miss North Carolina USA competition three times before winning and representing the state at the national competition in 2019. After being crowned Miss USA that year, she went on to represent the US at Miss Universe, where she finished in the top 10.
She started working as a correspondent for Extra in October 2019, and received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding entertainment news program for her work.
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