Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst Dies At 30, NYPD Rules Suicide

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Tributes poured in Monday from everywhere in the world remembering the lifetime of 30-year-old Cheslie Kryst. The previous Miss USA, who was residing in Manhattan, died by suicide on Sunday.

She was a lawyer and TV host who broke so many limitations in her brief time. CBS2’s Lisa Rozner spoke with psychological well being consultants on how to deal with such a loss and assist others who could also be struggling.

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It was a monumental second for Kryst, profitable the Miss USA Pageant in 2019.

The crowning of the North Carolina native marked the primary time three Black ladies had been the reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America.

Kryst was a former NCAA Division I athlete, a former lawyer, and most not too long ago a correspondent on the leisure present Additional.

She appeared open about her life. She wrote about having to be hospitalized for overworking herself whereas incomes her regulation diploma together with an MBA on the identical time. She was a psychological well being advocate talking out on World Psychological Well being Day.

“Hey all, I do rather a lot to be sure that I keep my psychological well being, and a very powerful factor I did is speak to a counselor,” Kryst mentioned in 2019.

RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE

On CBS Mornings on Monday, host Gayle King revealed she stayed in contact with Kryst since that interview. On Sunday night time, she spoke with Kryst’s mom, who mentioned her 5 siblings are reeling.

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“No one noticed this coming and that is what’s so upsetting to me. How have you learnt to supply somebody assist should you don’t know they want the assistance? That’s what I’m combating. That’s why it’s hitting me so onerous,” King mentioned.

“She lived a life stuffed with ardour, dedication and energy, so this can be a reminder verify in your robust pals. Don’t assume,” CBS Mornings host Nate Burleson mentioned.

There’s a 24/7 free hotline that folks combating psychological well being can name. It’s additionally there to help family members who’re involved. The quantity is 1-800-273-TALK.

Shye Lewis, the scientific director of the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mentioned one warning signal is seeing a change in an individual’s conduct.

“Say, ‘Hey, I’m seeing that you simply’re, um, this can be a change for you, and I’m frightened about you, and I need to speak a bit bit extra about what meaning. We additionally ask that you simply, um, speak to folks straight about suicide. Generally when persons are combating the sorts of stuff you’re combating, they may be eager about suicide,’” Lewis mentioned.

And for these combating the lack of Kryst, asking why, or discovering it triggering, Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Basis for Suicide Prevention, says, “Genetically, the best way we inherit dealing with varied stressors, they’re completely different for various folks. And we don’t know that about one another till we’ve got the chance to actually perceive extra about psychological well being and learn to have open dialogue.

“Now will not be the time to make assumptions, and it’s actually to not choose, however to supply up your most compassionate and loving inclusive perspective that we’re all on this collectively,” she added.

For extra data on psychological well being sources, please click on right here.

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Editor’s observe: This story first appeared on Jan. 31