Cheslie Kryst cause of death latest – Miss USA 2019's mom says she 'hid high-functioning depression' before suicide

THE death of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was announced on January 30, 2022, and her mother has revealed that her daughter suffered from depression before her passing.

Kryst was pronounced dead after falling from her high-rise apartment in New York City in what police believe to be a suicide.

"She was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone," Kryst's mother, April Simpkins, said Wednesday, according to NBC.

Plus, Kryst shared a photo of herself on Instagram just hours before her death with the caption, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”

Kryst, 30, took home the crown in the Miss USA pageant as Miss North Carolina in 2019.

She used her platform as Miss USA to speak about criminal justice reform.

You’re not alone

SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.

There were "more than two and half times as many suicides" in the US than there were homicides, according to the report.

For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.

Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.

This is why The-Sun.com launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.

If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK
  • Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.org, Text HOME to 741741
  • Veterans Crisis Hotline, www.veteranscrisisline.net, 1-800-273-8255
  • Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org, 1-866-488-7386

Read our Cheslie Kryst live blog for the latest news and updates...

  • G. P. Rodriguez

    Was Cheslie Kryst married?

    Cheslie Kryst was not married.

    She never publicly dated anyone, and was not known to share her relationship status with fans or the media.

    Prior to her death, Cheslie seemed to be focused on expanding her career.

  • G. P. Rodriguez

    What was Cheslie Kryst's cause of death?

    An autopsy has confirmed that Cheslie Kryst died by suicide.

    The beauty pageant star, 30, was found dead in New York City on Sunday.

    She was pronounced dead after falling from her apartment in the metropolis.

    Medical examiners conducted an autopsy Monday and just a day later her death was confirmed to be a suicide, PEOPLE reported.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie won Miss North Carolina, Miss USA

    As a teenager, Cheslie was crowned Miss Freshman at her first high school, Northwestern.

    She also earned the honor of Miss Fort Mill High School after she transferred.

    In 2019, she was crowned Miss North Carolina and Miss USA.

    After taking home the crown in Reno, Nevada, Cheslie took a one-year leave from her job as a lawyer.

    She represented the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in December of 2019.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Fellow pageant queen posts tribute

    Savannah Wix, Miss Arizona 2019, posted a tribute photo showing herself, Cheslie and other Miss USA contestants at the competition.

    In the photo, Cheslie has been crowned, and is holding a bouquet of flowers while her fellow contestants embrace her.

    “We love you forever, Ches,” Savannah captioned the picture.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Savannah Wix (@savannahwix)

  • Danielle Cinone

    Final tweet

    In early January, Cheslie Kryst shared her YouTube channel on Twitter.

    "My name is Red now," she wrote.

    "New year, new me, new channel! I did my very first YouTube vlog and it captured this entire transformation from start to finish," she added, before urging people to subscribe at an included link.

    People have since taken to the replies to mourn the former Miss USA.

    "You never know what private struggles people are going through so start with compassion. RIP Cheslie," one person wrote.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie ‘left everything’ to role model mom

    Police sources told The New York Post that Cheslie Kryst left behind a note saying that “she wanted to leave everything” to her mother.

    Her mom, April Simpkins, who was awarded the gong of Mrs. North Carolina United States in 2002.

    The beauty pageant winner once said her mom had inspired her.

    She said: “My mom is my role model. I always look up to her and ask her for her advice.

    “As a state pageant champion, she’s built an incredible A role model, I wanted to follow in her footsteps because I held her highly.”

  • Danielle Cinone

    Full family statement

    A statement from the Kryst family after Cheslie Kryst’s death read: “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 cares, she loved, she laughed and she shined.”

    “Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney or 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.”

  • Danielle Cinone

    Senator Reverand Warnock mourns loss

    Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock of Georgia noted on Twitter that he was "saddened to hear the news about former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst."

    "Sending love and prayers to her family and may her soul rest in peace," he wrote. "Let’s continue to check on one another. And if you or someone you know is struggling w/ thoughts of suicide, please call 800-273-8255."

  • Danielle Cinone

    Moving essay had haunting ending

    While on her trajectory to pageant queen, Kryst often spoke candidly about the legalization of marijuana, President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and criminal justice reform.

    She was a public supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and marched in protests.

    “I wasn’t searching to collect more awards or recognition during my reign. Rather, I fed the passion that made waking up each morning feel worthwhile: speaking out against injustice.”

    Kryst concluded her Allure essay from 2021 with now-haunting words about searching for “joy and purpose” as she entered her 30th year.

    “And that feels like my own sweet victory.” 

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie’s ‘challenge of the status quo’

    Upon winning Miss USA, Kryst said her term was one filled with purpose, and that she desired to “commit myself to passion, intent, and authenticity.”

    She compared herself to other pageant girls, who are model-tall and thin with “don bouffant hair and have a killer walk.” Kryst, who competed in Division I Track and Field, had six-pack abs and natural curls.

    In her words, being “too Black” has prevented many black women from winning on the pageant stage.

    “My challenge of the status quo has certainly caught the attention of the trolls,” she said, adding that she’s had to delete comments on social due to negative comments about her appearance.

    “And that was just my looks. My opinions, on the other hand, were enough to make a traditional pageant fan clutch their pearls."

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie’s Allure essay, continued

    According to Kryst, the common mindset of “30 under 30” lists creates an unfortunate side effect on young people, who are encouraged to accomplish feats as fast as possible.

    After graduating from college, Kryst continued her studies at Wake Forest University to get a law degree and an MBA at the same time, joining a trial team to win a national championship.

    “I nearly worked myself to death, literally, until an eight-day stint in a local hospital sparked the development of a new perspective,” she said.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie’s essay before turning 30

    Kryst made history as the oldest Miss USA winner at age 28, which gave her a unique perspective compared to other titleholders.

    In an essay written for Allure in March last year, Kryst said that she “cringed” at the thought of turning 30.

    “Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women,” she wrote.

    “…Turning 30 feels like a cold reminder that I’m running out of time to matter in society’s eyes – and it’s infuriating.”

    She detailed her struggle with “the relentless tick of time” and being enamored with “20 under 20” and “30 under 30” lists that linked achievement to being young and successful. 

  • Danielle Cinone

    Inside Cheslie’s midtown NYC apartment

    Cheslie Kryst lived in a glamorous $5,000 apartment that boasted impressive views of the Manhattan skyline.

    Kryst moved into the plush pad in September last year and often offered an insight into her apartment to her hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok.

    She filmed most of her clips in the second bedroom which she used as an office and closet.

    The beauty pageant winner proudly showcased her shoe wall that contained shelves she built herself, packed full of different pairs of heels and sneakers.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Cheslie Kryst’s father speaks out

    Cheslie Kryst’s grieving dad Rodney Kryst has hailed his late daughter as “pure” in a heart-wrenching tribute.

    “She was pure as can be, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,” the 62-year-old told The Post.

    “She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.”

    “I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction, but it will be a while before we can talk more. She was sad.”

  • Danielle Cinone

    ‘Her mother was her best friend’

    In an emotional piece for Oprah Daily, Gayle King wrote: “I spoke with Cheslie’s mother and stepfather yesterday, and her mom told me, ‘Cheslie wasn’t just my daughter; she was my best friend‘.

    “Months earlier, Cheslie had told me the exact same thing: Her mother was her best friend.”

    “Not only is her family shattered, but everybody who knew or worked with Cheslie is walking around in shock.”

  • Danielle Cinone

    ‘She was my best friend’

    Cheslie Kryst’s heartbroken mom April Simpkins spoke to Gayle King on Monday – telling the CBS anchor: “Cheslie wasn’t just my daughter; she was my best friend.”

    Kryst is said to have left behind a note saying that “she wanted to leave everything” to her beauty pageant mom.

  • Danielle Cinone

    Suicide prevention resources

    You’re not alone

    SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.

    There were "more than two and half times as many suicides" in the US than there were homicides, according to the report.

    For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.

    Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.

    This is why The-Sun.com launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

    The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.

    If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:

    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK
    • Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.org, Text HOME to 741741
    • Veterans Crisis Hotline, www.veteranscrisisline.net, 1-800-273-8255
    • Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org, 1-866-488-7386

    Cheslie aimed to inspire

    Cheslie Kryst told The Grio that her confidence and success didn’t happen overnight, something she wanted young black girls to understand.

    “When I was younger I was such a nerdy little kid,” she said in 2019.

    “I was not the kid who would get in trouble for chit-chatting in class. I would get in trouble for pulling out my Harry Potter book in the middle of math class and just reading.”

    “I didn’t like who I was, but eventually I grew to understand that I’m different and I don’t have to be like everybody else. Love yourself and just be happy with who you are.”

    'Deeply painful'

    Television host and personality Tamron Hall reacted to the news of Cheslie Kryst's death on social media.

    "Dear God hearing the news of Cheslie Kryst’s death is deeply painful," she wrote.

    "Being a witness to Cheslie’s strength was an unforgettable experience and hearing her share the journey to Miss USA was so special. My prayers are with Cheslie’s family and friends."

    Autopsy confirms cause of death

    An autopsy has confirmed that Cheslie Kryst died by suicide.

    The beauty pageant star, 30, was found dead in New York City on Sunday.

    She was pronounced dead after falling from her apartment in the metropolis.

    Medical examiners conducted an autopsy Monday and just a day later her death was confirmed to be a suicide, PEOPLE reported.

    Who is Cheslie Kryst’s mom, April Simpkins?

    Cheslie‘s mom is April Simpkins.

    April is an HR boss with more than 30 years of experience and is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer of Totalhr, a human resources business focused on helping small and mid-sized enterprises.

    Simpkins is well recognized for her business skills and has received numerous accolades including the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2020 Women In Business Achievement Award, the York County Regional Chamber’s 2018 Fort Mill/Tega Cay Business Person of the Year Award, the Business Leader Magazine’s Movers & Shaker Award, and the Mecklenburg Times’ 50 Most Influential Women Award in 2016, according to Speakers Bureau.

    • Danielle Cinone

      Who is Cheslie Kryst’s dad?

      Rodney Kryst was a Polish American bodybuilder, according to Vim Buzz.

      Not much else is known about Rodney but Cheslie did once report also being inspired by her dad.

      She said: “Today is a special day to show appreciation to all the fathers and father figures who have made our lives special.

      “My dad introduced me to athletics. He took my siblings and me to the track every weekend when we were young when we didn’t want to.

      “And he told us endless stories of his body-building days.”

    • Danielle Cinone

      Witnesses left shaken

      One witness to Kryst’s death told The Sun that it is a reminder that you “never know what’s happening behind closed doors.”

      “Even if people seem strong or fine they might not be … it might be a front,” he said.

      “This is a really easy city to get lost in … Check in with your people.”

      A local store owner said he was working behind the shop counter when a customer ran inside to tell him that someone had fallen from a nearby building.

      “It was crazy and very sad,” he said. “I have never seen anything like that … I couldn’t believe it.”

    • Danielle Cinone

      'Incredibly sad news'

      "Such incredibly sad news about #CheslieKryst," Martin Luther King Jr's daughter and civil rights activist Bernice King wrote on Twitter in reaction to the news.

      "Depression creates deep despair & an overwhelming illusion that there’s no way forward in life. Remember: looking good & doing good things doesn’t = feeling/thinking 'good,'" she added. "Check on YOU, too"

      She also included the number for the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.

    • Danielle Cinone

      Cheslie’s work as influencer and correspondent

      Using her closet room as a setting, Cheslie filmed videos for her followers, giving them a glimpse into her life.

      She answered questions from her followers about her background in law and competing in beauty pageants.

      She also interviewed stars such as actor and director Denzel Washington as part of her work as a correspondent for Extra.

      In one of her last clips, she talked happily about being sent personalized M&Ms.

      Source: Read Full Article