01of 13Cheslie Krystwas born on April 28, 1991 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned a law degree and master’s of business administration from Wake Forest University.02of 13While pursuing law, Kryst also competed in pageants and was eventuallycrowned Miss USA 2019. Kryst said that her mother, April Simpkins, who was crowned Mrs. North Carolina US in 2002, was the one who inspired her to enter competitions.“When she won, I was maybe 11, and that was meaningful to me,” Kryst said in an interview with theCharlotte Observerin November 2020 of her mom, who was the second Black woman to earn the title. “I remember sitting in the auditorium and watching her win and watching her clean up all these awards. And then, when I went to school, all my classmates started asking me for autograph cards from my mom.““I was in middle school, and I was in a really awkward stage,” Kryst continued. “I didn’t have a lot of friends, I was a nerdy weird kid who just liked to read during class, and it was so cool that people knew my name because of my mom. And so from that moment, I knew I was going to compete at some point in time.“03of 13In September 2017, Kryst was sworn into the North Carolina bar.“It’s finally official!! I am an A T T O R N E Y ⚖️,” she wrote on Instagram to celebrate her achievement.04of 13In October 2018, Kryst was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2019. The win put her in the running to earn the title of Miss USA.Looking back on her experience in a post from 2020, Kryst got candid about how she dealt with the highs and lows of the competition.“In the six months between my win and my departure for the Miss USA competition I completed nearly 50 appearances/events, continued to work full time as an attorney, did photoshoots, visited sponsors, and had the time of my life! I pushed myself and did as much as I possibly could fit into each day,“she recalled.“Behind the scenes, I fought nearly constant feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, exhaustion, and stress so overwhelming that some days I could barely eat,” she continued, before adding that the “silver lining” in her experience gave her “thicker skin,” which helped her “brush off” the haters and Internet trolls.05of 13The following month, in December 2018, Kryst was sworn into the South Carolina Bar, writing on Instagram, “Praise God for helping me to remain undefeated on the bar exam!! Many thanks to my family and friends for supporting me while I studied this summer (I hated every moment of it).“She added, “Also, a huge thanks to my incredible firm and coworkers for the constant support and kind words I needed.“06of 13Cheslie Kryst is crowned Miss USA 2019.Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/ShutterstockKryst wascrowned Miss USAas Miss North Carolina in May 2019. She and 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.The women 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!’ “07of 13Adding to her already long list of accomplishments, Kryst signed on to beExtra’s newest correspondent and also served as a global impact ambassador for Dress for Success, a non-for-profit organization that provides professional attire and support to help women gain the tools they need to succeed in work and life.08of 13The attorney and pageant queen interviewed several celebrities during her time as a correspondent forExtra, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson,Denzel Washington,Lady GagaandTaylor Swift.09of 13Her work earned her an Emmy nomination at the 2019-2020 DaytimeEmmy Awards.10of 13Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImageKryst died on Jan. 30at 30 years old, her family confirmed to PEOPLE.“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.“11of 13Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage"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.Kryst’s family is asking for privacy in wake of the late beauty queen’s death.12of 13Cheslie Kryst.John Lamparski/Getty ImagesExtramade a statementon Instagram in memory of Kryst, writing, “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.“13of 13Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/ShutterstockTheMiss USA organization shared a statementon Instagram following Kryst’s tragic death.“The Miss Universe and Miss USA Organizations are devastated to learn about the loss of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst,” the Miss USA team wrote. “She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing, and she lit up every room she entered. Our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.“If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
01of 13Cheslie Krystwas born on April 28, 1991 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned a law degree and master’s of business administration from Wake Forest University.
01of 13
Cheslie Krystwas born on April 28, 1991 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned a law degree and master’s of business administration from Wake Forest University.
02of 13While pursuing law, Kryst also competed in pageants and was eventuallycrowned Miss USA 2019. Kryst said that her mother, April Simpkins, who was crowned Mrs. North Carolina US in 2002, was the one who inspired her to enter competitions.“When she won, I was maybe 11, and that was meaningful to me,” Kryst said in an interview with theCharlotte Observerin November 2020 of her mom, who was the second Black woman to earn the title. “I remember sitting in the auditorium and watching her win and watching her clean up all these awards. And then, when I went to school, all my classmates started asking me for autograph cards from my mom.““I was in middle school, and I was in a really awkward stage,” Kryst continued. “I didn’t have a lot of friends, I was a nerdy weird kid who just liked to read during class, and it was so cool that people knew my name because of my mom. And so from that moment, I knew I was going to compete at some point in time.”
02of 13
While pursuing law, Kryst also competed in pageants and was eventuallycrowned Miss USA 2019. Kryst said that her mother, April Simpkins, who was crowned Mrs. North Carolina US in 2002, was the one who inspired her to enter competitions.
“When she won, I was maybe 11, and that was meaningful to me,” Kryst said in an interview with theCharlotte Observerin November 2020 of her mom, who was the second Black woman to earn the title. “I remember sitting in the auditorium and watching her win and watching her clean up all these awards. And then, when I went to school, all my classmates started asking me for autograph cards from my mom.”
“I was in middle school, and I was in a really awkward stage,” Kryst continued. “I didn’t have a lot of friends, I was a nerdy weird kid who just liked to read during class, and it was so cool that people knew my name because of my mom. And so from that moment, I knew I was going to compete at some point in time.”
03of 13In September 2017, Kryst was sworn into the North Carolina bar.“It’s finally official!! I am an A T T O R N E Y ⚖️,” she wrote on Instagram to celebrate her achievement.
03of 13
In September 2017, Kryst was sworn into the North Carolina bar.
“It’s finally official!! I am an A T T O R N E Y ⚖️,” she wrote on Instagram to celebrate her achievement.
04of 13In October 2018, Kryst was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2019. The win put her in the running to earn the title of Miss USA.Looking back on her experience in a post from 2020, Kryst got candid about how she dealt with the highs and lows of the competition.“In the six months between my win and my departure for the Miss USA competition I completed nearly 50 appearances/events, continued to work full time as an attorney, did photoshoots, visited sponsors, and had the time of my life! I pushed myself and did as much as I possibly could fit into each day,“she recalled.“Behind the scenes, I fought nearly constant feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, exhaustion, and stress so overwhelming that some days I could barely eat,” she continued, before adding that the “silver lining” in her experience gave her “thicker skin,” which helped her “brush off” the haters and Internet trolls.
04of 13
In October 2018, Kryst was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2019. The win put her in the running to earn the title of Miss USA.
Looking back on her experience in a post from 2020, Kryst got candid about how she dealt with the highs and lows of the competition.
“In the six months between my win and my departure for the Miss USA competition I completed nearly 50 appearances/events, continued to work full time as an attorney, did photoshoots, visited sponsors, and had the time of my life! I pushed myself and did as much as I possibly could fit into each day,“she recalled.
“Behind the scenes, I fought nearly constant feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, exhaustion, and stress so overwhelming that some days I could barely eat,” she continued, before adding that the “silver lining” in her experience gave her “thicker skin,” which helped her “brush off” the haters and Internet trolls.
05of 13The following month, in December 2018, Kryst was sworn into the South Carolina Bar, writing on Instagram, “Praise God for helping me to remain undefeated on the bar exam!! Many thanks to my family and friends for supporting me while I studied this summer (I hated every moment of it).“She added, “Also, a huge thanks to my incredible firm and coworkers for the constant support and kind words I needed.”
05of 13
The following month, in December 2018, Kryst was sworn into the South Carolina Bar, writing on Instagram, “Praise God for helping me to remain undefeated on the bar exam!! Many thanks to my family and friends for supporting me while I studied this summer (I hated every moment of it).”
She added, “Also, a huge thanks to my incredible firm and coworkers for the constant support and kind words I needed.”
06of 13Cheslie Kryst is crowned Miss USA 2019.Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/ShutterstockKryst wascrowned Miss USAas Miss North Carolina in May 2019. She and 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.The women 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!’ "
06of 13
Cheslie Kryst is crowned Miss USA 2019.Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/Shutterstock
Kryst wascrowned Miss USAas Miss North Carolina in May 2019. She and 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.
The women 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!’ "
07of 13Adding to her already long list of accomplishments, Kryst signed on to beExtra’s newest correspondent and also served as a global impact ambassador for Dress for Success, a non-for-profit organization that provides professional attire and support to help women gain the tools they need to succeed in work and life.
07of 13
Adding to her already long list of accomplishments, Kryst signed on to beExtra’s newest correspondent and also served as a global impact ambassador for Dress for Success, a non-for-profit organization that provides professional attire and support to help women gain the tools they need to succeed in work and life.
08of 13The attorney and pageant queen interviewed several celebrities during her time as a correspondent forExtra, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson,Denzel Washington,Lady GagaandTaylor Swift.
08of 13
The attorney and pageant queen interviewed several celebrities during her time as a correspondent forExtra, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson,Denzel Washington,Lady GagaandTaylor Swift.
09of 13Her work earned her an Emmy nomination at the 2019-2020 DaytimeEmmy Awards.
09of 13
Her work earned her an Emmy nomination at the 2019-2020 DaytimeEmmy Awards.
10of 13Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImageKryst died on Jan. 30at 30 years old, her family confirmed to PEOPLE.“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.”
10of 13
Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
Kryst died on Jan. 30at 30 years old, her family confirmed to PEOPLE.
“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.”
11of 13Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage"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.Kryst’s family is asking for privacy in wake of the late beauty queen’s death.
11of 13
“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.
Kryst’s family is asking for privacy in wake of the late beauty queen’s death.
12of 13Cheslie Kryst.John Lamparski/Getty ImagesExtramade a statementon Instagram in memory of Kryst, writing, “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.”
12of 13
Cheslie Kryst.John Lamparski/Getty Images
Extramade a statementon Instagram in memory of Kryst, writing, “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.”
13of 13Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/ShutterstockTheMiss USA organization shared a statementon Instagram following Kryst’s tragic death.“The Miss Universe and Miss USA Organizations are devastated to learn about the loss of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst,” the Miss USA team wrote. “She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing, and she lit up every room she entered. Our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.“If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
13of 13
Frank Micelotta/FOX/PictureGroup/REX/Shutterstock
TheMiss USA organization shared a statementon Instagram following Kryst’s tragic death.
“The Miss Universe and Miss USA Organizations are devastated to learn about the loss of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst,” the Miss USA team wrote. “She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing, and she lit up every room she entered. Our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
