Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s death is being investigated by New York City police after she allegedly jumped from a skyscraper.
Detective Martin Brown confirmed the NYPD will look into the circumstances surrounding Ms Kryst’s death on Monday, according to CNN.
He did not provide additional details, but the outlet noted it is standard for police to investigate deaths by suicide.
Ms Kryst, who won the Miss America pageant in 2019, was found dead aged 30 on Sunday morning on the sidewalk below Manhattan’s 60-storey Orion Building, where she had an apartment on the ninth floor.
She was last seen on a terrace on the building’s 29th floor shortly after 7am, sources told The New York Post, and reportedly left behind a note saying she wanted all her belongings to go to her mother.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family said 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.
“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.”
And they added: “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague –we know her impact will live on.”
The former Miss North Carolina was a lawyer who also worked as a reporter for the Extra TV show.
“Our hearts are broken,” the company said in a statement.
“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.”
Just hours before her death, Kryst wrote on Instagram, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
News of the investigation followed the emergence of an emotional essay Ms Kryst penned for Allure in March 2021, where she reflected on the challenges of growing older in the public eye.
“Each time I say ‘I’m turning 30,’ I cringe a little. Sometimes I can successfully mask this uncomfortable response with excitement; other times, my enthusiasm feels hollow, like bad acting,” she wrote.
“Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women. (Occasional exceptions are made for some of the rich and a few of the famous.)”
Police have not said why they suspect Ms Kryst died by suicide. A timeline for the NYPD investigation was not immediately announced.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
