Health / Wellness

Lawyer Who Became Miss USA Before Starting TV Career Dies By Suicide

Our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.

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cheslie kryst

Cheslie Kryst (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for BET)

We have tragic news to report from New York, where an accomplished young lawyer turned TV correspondent passed away this weekend.

Cheslie Kryst, 30, was a 2017 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law who was crowned as Miss USA in 2019. After working as an attorney at midsized North Carolina firm Poyner Spruill, Kryst went on to become a host on ‘Extra’ and later returned to the firm to become its first diversity advisor. Kryst died by suicide on January 30.

According to police, a 30-year-old female was found unconscious and unresponsive on the ground outside the address 350 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. EMS was called and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is indicative of a jump from an elevated position.

Police later identified the body as Kryst, who lived at the address.

“Not only beautiful but she was smart — she was a lawyer,” a police source reportedly said of Kryst during a conversation with the New York Post. “She has a life that anyone would be jealous of. … It’s so sad.”

Her family released the following statement about her passing:

“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. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on.”

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We here at Above the Law would like to extend our condolences to Cheslie Kryst’s family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.

Most law schools have counseling and psychological services resources that students and graduates can turn to if they are in crisis or would like counseling, even after hours. If these services are not available, and if you or someone you know is depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance.

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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