2019 Miss USA Cheslie Kryst commits suicide

The former beauty queen’s family in a statement on Sunday 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,” her family said. “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”

Kryst has been outspoken about mental health when she was alive. In October 2019, via a Facebook post on World Mental Health Day, she offered tips on how she coped with stress.

“I do a lot to make sure that I maintain my mental health,” she said. “And the most important thing that I did is talk to a counsellor. She’s really easy to talk to. She gives me great strategies especially if I’m sad or happy or have a busy month ahead of me.

“When I’m not talking to my counsellor, I spend time at the end of every single day to just decompress,” Kryst added. “I unplug, I shut my phone off, I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favourite movies.”

During an interview on The Hilltop show in 2021, she also noted that “there are three things that I’m doing with regard with self-care. No. 1, I try to set a regular schedule so my alarm rings every day at 6:45. I know that I’m getting up and I’m starting my day.

“Two, I try to set very clear boundaries, so even though I’m at home and I’ve got my computer, my phone with me, I’m done answering emails at 6 o’clock, I’m not responding to messages. It’s over.”

Third, she said, “I have a regular workout schedule that keeps my body healthy and my mind sharp.”

It remains unclear if her tragic death has been influenced by any mental health challenge. Friends, fans, the beauty pageantry world and social media users have since been mourning the beauty Queen.