Cheslie Kryst's grandad mourns her death: 'To be extinguished so fast is just devastating'
Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, 30, jumped to her death on Sunday, January 31, from the 29th-floor of Manhattan's 60-story Orion building. She left behind a note indicating she wanted to leave her possessions with her mother, the police said.
Kryst’s heartbroken grandfather in an interview struggled to figure out why the former Miss USA would kill herself. Gary Simpkins said, "To be extinguished so fast is just devastating," talking about his grand daughter's death. "So hard to imagine one minute they’re here and one minute they’re not. And you know that the only [way] you’ll ever see them again is when you yourself pass away."
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Kryst's grandfather said Cheslie was born in Michigan but grew up in Rock Hill, S.C. "She was such a fantastic person." "She was kind. She was generous. She felt for other people. She tried to help other people. She was just one of those rare people that had a heart for people," Simpkins told the Daily News by phone from South Carolina. "She had a laugh that was infectious," Simpkins said. "I can still hear it echoing in my mind. And I don’t know. But I do know that we’ll get through this. We will, but right now this is just devastating."
On the day of her fatal jump, she posted a mysterious message on Instagram saying, "May this day bring you rest and peace." Kryst in an interview with Allure magazine in March 2021 said, "Each time I say ‘I’m turning 30,' I cringe a little." She said, "Sometimes I can successfully mask this uncomfortable response with excitement; other times, my enthusiasm feels hollow, like bad acting. Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women.
"A grinning, crinkly-eyed glance at my achievements thus far makes me giddy about laying the groundwork for more, but turning 30 feels like a cold reminder that I’m running out of time to matter in society’s eyes — and it’s infuriating." She seemed to embrace getting older. "Now, I enter year 30 searching for joy and purpose on my own terms and that feels like my own sweet victory," she said.
Kryst’s family was hit hard by her surprising death. The family issued a statement saying, "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."