Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst Remembered As ‘Unapologetically Herself’
Cheslie Kryst, the former Miss USA and North Carolina lawyer, was remembered Friday (Feb. 18) at a memorial in Charlotte, N.C., where her mother shared positive and encouraging words about her late daughter.
Kryst, 30, died by suicide on January 30 at her New York City apartment.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the grieving mother, April Simpkins, said Kryst was “unapologetically herself.”
“Cheslie throughout her life sowed many seeds through her work, her philanthropy, her advocacy, and most importantly, her genuine care for others,” Simpkins said during the service, wearing a pink suit her daughter picked out for her and added she received “high fives [from Cheslie] every time I wore it. She continued, “I know those seeds will continue to bear fruit for many years.”
An estimated 300 people gathered in Elevation Blakeney, a Charlotte, North Carolina church Kryst attended in college and through adulthood.
Aside from her 2019 accomplishment of being crowned Miss USA, her path as a lawyer led her to fight for social justice.
“In life we encounter ordinary people, but there are rare cases when we meet extraordinary people,” said Edward Watson, a formerly incarcerated man who Kryst helped free in 2020. “I needed help, the Lord sent the help that I needed.”
With the help of her stepfather, David Simpkins and attorney MiAngel Cody, Watson’s sentence was reduced and he became a free man after a 25-year bid in prison for weapon and drug trafficking charges.
Always well dressed, her attire was broadcasted all throughout the slideshow, as she was also an ambassador for the global nonprofit, Dress For Success.
Among the many honors that follow Kryst’s untimely death, a scholarship from Wake Forest University was established in her honor and will be awarded annually to a Black, indigneous or law student of color from the Carolinas.
Watch the service below:
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1(800)273-8255 or text the crisis text line at 741-741.
