Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, know that help is always here. You are not alone. Call the National Center For Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Hotline 1553, 0917 899 8727(USAP), and/or 7-989-8727 (USAP).
Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, a lawyer and TV host, was found dead in New York in an apparent suicide according to authorities, prompting an outpouring of sympathy online, including her ex-roommate Catriona Gray, who underscored the importance of reaching out to people who are isolating because of the pandemic.
Kryst's body was found on the street early Sunday in the U.S. and police said she appeared to have fallen "from an elevated position" and her death was "most likely the result of suicide", NBC News reported. She was 30.
"Ches...I can't believe the news. Rest in peace angel. The world will miss your light. ???? @chesliekryst," said Gray, who as Miss Universe 2018 shared a flat with Kryst in New York after the latter won Miss USA 2019.
Kryst advocated building up hard-up women's self-esteem by giving them clothes and worked for free to defense those charged with low-level drug offenses. Her reign was significant as it was the first time all four major pageant titles in the U.S. were held by black women. South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi, Gray's successor, won Miss Universe during Kryst's year.
"If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org," Gray said.
"Also, let's reach out to friends and loved ones. These continue to be isolating times, mental health is so important, let's not downplay its importance in the lives of every individual," she said.
After her reign, Kryst joined syndicated U.S. entertainment host "Extra" as a host and co-hosted the 2021 Miss Universe pageant won by India, Harnaaz Sandhu.
"Our hearts are broken," NBC News quoted "Extra" as saying 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."
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