Sometimes, we never really know the struggles people face behind closed doors. Life can seem perfect in our eyes, dark emotions can eat people alive as they feel hopeless and alone.  On January 30th, former Miss USA and Emmy-nominated correspondent for ‘Extra’ died at the age of 30.

Her death happened early that Sunday morning as police found her outside her Manhattan apartment building. Police believe that Kryst jumped from the building and The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that she died by suicide and had multiple blunt impact injuries.

Just before her death, Kryst posted a picture on Instagram captioning “may this day bring you rest and peace” alongside a beautiful picture of herself.

“In devastation and great sorrow we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie ”, Kryst’s 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. But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor,  and colleague – we know her impact will live on.”

Kryst joined “Extra” as a correspondent in the fall of 2019, and later earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding entertainment news program for her work, according to Variety. “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.”

When Cheslie won her Miss USA crown in 2019, she became part of an unprecedented slate of five major pageant winners who all were women of color, which was a big deal to the African American community. During an interview with CNN, she pointed out that this was a major milestone for people of color, but they weren’t the first to win these titles. “Three of the last four Miss USAs were women of color — there was Kara McCullogh, there was Deshauna Barber — and that was important for me to see.” 

“People didn’t think, ‘Oh that’s enough (Black winners),’ ” she said. “It’s still possible for us to be successful on your own merit. And it doesn’t matter if you look like the last winner, (if) you look like the last three. If you’re the best you’re the best, and you can win.”

 Cheslie was also an extraordinary civil rights attorney who conducted free legal work for prisoners who may have been sentenced unjustly. Most of her work was done in her home state of Notrth Carolina and South Carolina.

Just last week, Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, shared a statement about her daughter’s death and her battle with depression. “Cheslie led both a public and private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression, which she hid from everyone, including me, her closest confidant until very shortly before her death.” 

“I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed” said her mother at the end of her statement.

A public celebration of her life will be held on Friday, February 18th.

Cheslie, thank you for being a role model to girls like me and shining your light bright to make a difference.

To anyone who is suffering from depression, you are not alone. For help call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.