Cheslie Kryst, Extra Correspondent and Miss USA, Dies at 30

By Fletcher Peters Twitter @fIetcherpeters
Published Jan. 31, 2022, 8:50 a.m. ET

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Cheslie Kryst, an Extra correspondent and former Miss USA champ, has died. Her family confirmed the news last night (Jan. 30) in a statement shared by Extra. She was 30.

Kryst’s death was announced after police said a 30-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene outside a Midtown Manhattan high-rise. The New York Police Department have confirmed that it was death by suicide in a statement made to The Hollywood Reporter.

“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family wrote. “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.”

Kryst was a former Miss North Carolina who was crowned Miss USA 2019 and went on to compete in that year’s Miss Universe pageant.

“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,” her family shared. “Bust most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”

The TV personality has served as a correspondent for Extra since 2019, going on to earn two Daytime Emmy nominations while she had the position. The entertainment show, who shared her family’s statement, also paid tribute to Kryst.

“Our hearts are broken,” they wrote. “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.”

Along with her work on Extra and in the Miss USA competition, Kryst also had TV appearances as a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Live with Kelly and Ryan. She was a panelist on Black Girl Beauty, and appeared as Miss USA in Ava Duvernay and Colin Kaepernick’s Colin in Black and White on Netflix.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.