Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst died on Sunday morning, after jumping from a building in Manhattan.
According to the New York City Police, Kryst, who was crowned Miss USA in 2019, died aged 30.
“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family said in a statement obtained by CNN.
“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.”
The former Miss USA winner had posted an Instagram photo before her death. “May this day bring you rest and peace,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself.
Hailing from North Carolina, Kryst practiced civil litigation for a law firm and worked to help prisoners who may have been sentenced unjustly get reduced punishments, free of charge.
Kryst, who was licensed to practice in two states, earned her law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University and completed her undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina, where she was a track athlete. She also worked as a correspondent for entertainment news site ExtraTV.
“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 company said in a statement.