FORMER MISS USA winner Cheslie Kryst passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

The pageant queen was 30 years old at the time of her death.

Who was Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst?

Born on April 28, 1991, Cheslie Kryst is the daughter of former Mrs. North Carolina, April Simpkins.

After graduating from Fort Mill High School in 2009, Cheslie went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in marketing and human resource management from the University of South Carolina.

Cheslie later returned to North Carolina, where she graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Law with a Juris Doctor and Master's of Business Administration in 2017.

She went on to practice law in both North and South Carolina, with a focus on civil litigation.

The former Miss USA winner also founded fashion blog White Collar Glam, which was used to help women dress professionally on the job.

As a teenager, Cheslie was crowned Miss Freshman at her first high school, Northwestern. She also earned the honor of Miss Fort Mill High School after she transferred.

In 2019, she was crowned Miss North Carolina.

She went on to compete at the 2019 Miss USA competition, which took place in Reno, Nevada.

After taking home the crown, Cheslie took a one-year leave from her job as a lawyer and represented the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in December of 2019.

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How did she die?

On Sunday morning around 7.13am ET, the New York Police Department responded to a 911 call at Cheslie's Manhattan apartment.

Medical examiners conducted an autopsy on Monday, January 31, and a day later her death was confirmed to be a suicide, PEOPLE reported.

Prior to her sudden passing, Cheslie posted a photo of herself on Instagram captioned: "May this day bring you rest and peace."

"In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," said a statement from Cheslie's family.

"Her great light was one that sintered others around the world with her beauty and strength.

"She cares, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney or fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA," the statement continued.

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

What else was Cheslie Kryst known for?

In October of 2019, Cheslie became a correspondent for the New York branch of ExtraTV.

She was in charge of breaking the news that actor Terrence Howard planned to retire following the end of Empire.

Cheslie went on to receive a nomination for the 2020 and 2021 Daytime Emmy Awards, both for Outstanding Entertainment News Program.

Following the news of her passing, ExtraTV took to their Instagram account to share a tribute to the late correspondent, writing: "Our hearts are broken. 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," the post continued.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

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