Cheslie Kryst Wiki, Height, Age, Boyfriend, Death, Family, Biography & More

Cheslie Kryst was more than just a beauty queen—she was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a voice for change. Crowned Miss USA 2019, she captivated audiences with her intelligence, grace, and unwavering commitment to social justice. But beyond the glitz and glamour of pageantry, Cheslie was a licensed attorney, a television presenter, and a passionate supporter of criminal justice reform. Her journey was one of resilience, ambition, and purpose.

Born on April 28, 1991, in Jackson, Michigan, Cheslie grew up in a household that valued education, hard work, and perseverance. Her mother, April Simpkins, was a former beauty queen herself, winning Mrs. North Carolina US in 2002. This early exposure to pageantry planted a seed in Cheslie’s heart, but her ambitions stretched far beyond the runway. She pursued higher education with determination, earning degrees in marketing, human resource management, law, and business administration.

Early Life & Family Background

Cheslie Corrinne Kryst was born into a family that valued ambition and excellence. Her father, Rodney A. Kryst, was a bodybuilder, while her mother, April Simpkins, was a human resources professional with a background in pageantry. Growing up in Jackson, Michigan, Cheslie was surrounded by strong role models who encouraged her to dream big and work hard.

As a child, Cheslie was known for her intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit. She excelled in academics and athletics, participating in various extracurricular activities that shaped her into a well-rounded individual. Her family later moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she attended Northwestern High School before transferring to Fort Mill High School.

Parents and Their Professions

Cheslie’s parents played a significant role in shaping her worldview. Her father, Rodney Kryst, was a Polish-American bodybuilder, instilling in her the values of discipline and perseverance. Her mother, April Simpkins, was a successful HR executive, balancing her corporate career with her passion for pageantry. April’s victory as Mrs. North Carolina US in 2002 was a defining moment for Cheslie, inspiring her to pursue her own dreams in the beauty industry. In addition to her biological father, Cheslie had a stepfather, David Simpkins, who was a lawyer.

Cheslie was the eldest sister in a family of five siblings. She had four brothers—Asa Kryst, a filmmaker; Chandler Kryst, a singer; Jet; and Brooklyn—as well as a sister, Page Veronica, who worked as a hair artist. Despite their diverse career paths, the Kryst siblings shared a close bond, supporting each other’s ambitions and celebrating their successes. Cheslie often spoke about the importance of family in her life.

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Education & Academic Achievements

Kryst’s academic journey was marked by excellence and determination. She attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, before transferring to Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina. During her high school years, Cheslie was an active student, excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. She was particularly passionate about track and field, competing as a sprinter and long jumper. Her dedication to sports reflected her disciplined nature, a trait that would later define her professional career.

After graduating high school in 2009, Cheslie pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, enrolling in the Honors College. She graduated cum laude in 2013 from the Darla Moore School of Business, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and human resource management. During her time at USC, she was an active member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, participated in mock trial competitions, and continued her involvement in track and field.

Law School & Legal Career

Cheslie’s passion for justice led her to enroll at Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She pursued a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, graduating in 2017. Recognizing the importance of business acumen in legal practice, she simultaneously earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wake Forest University School of Business. Her dual degrees showcased her commitment to intellectual growth and professional excellence.

Following her graduation, Cheslie became licensed to practice law in North Carolina and South Carolina. She joined Poyner Spruill LLP, specializing in civil litigation. Her legal career was not just about corporate success—she was deeply committed to social justice. Cheslie worked pro bono to assist low-level drug offenders, advocating for fair sentencing and rehabilitation. She also collaborated with Brittany K. Barnett of the Buried Alive Project, helping to secure the release of a client sentenced to life imprisonment.

Pageantry Journey

Cheslie’s journey in beauty pageants began in her teenage years. She won Miss Freshman at Northwestern High School and later Miss Fort Mill High School. These early victories fueled her passion for pageantry, but her path to success was not without challenges.

Cheslie competed in the Miss North Carolina USA pageant multiple times before securing the title in 2019. Her perseverance paid off, as she became the first woman from North Carolina to win Miss USA. Her victory was historic—not only was she crowned at the age of 28, but she was also one of the three Black women to win major U.S. beauty titles that year, alongside Miss America Nia Franklin and Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris.

Miss USA 2019

Representing North Carolina, Cheslie competed in Miss USA 2019, held in Reno, Nevada. Her intelligence, confidence, and advocacy for criminal justice reform set her apart. She won the prestigious title, becoming Miss USA 2019. Her victory was celebrated as a symbol of diversity and empowerment, inspiring young women across the country.

As Miss USA, Cheslie represented the United States at Miss Universe 2019. She competed against contestants from around the world and secured a Top 10 placement. Although she did not win the crown, her presence on the global stage reinforced her commitment to breaking stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity in the beauty industry.

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Career as an Attorney

Cheslie Kryst’s legal career was as impressive as her achievements in pageantry. After earning her Juris Doctor (JD) degree and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wake Forest University, she became licensed to practice law in North Carolina and South Carolina. She joined Poyner Spruill LLP, a prestigious law firm specializing in civil litigation.

Cheslie was deeply committed to criminal justice reform. She worked pro bono to assist low-level drug offenders, advocating for fair sentencing and rehabilitation. Inspired by Bryan Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy,” she dedicated herself to fighting against excessive sentencing. Her efforts led her to collaborate with Brittany K. Barnett, a well-known advocate for criminal justice reform.

In honor of Cheslie’s legacy, the North Carolina Bar Foundation established the Cheslie C. Kryst Justice Fund. This initiative supports first-year North Carolina law students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with mentorship, financial assistance, and hands-on legal experience.

Television Career & Media Presence

While Cheslie excelled in law, she also had a passion for media and storytelling. In 2019, she transitioned into television, joining Extra as a correspondent. Her role involved interviewing celebrities, covering entertainment news, and bringing insightful discussions to the audience. Her intelligence, charisma, and professionalism made her a standout presence on screen.

Cheslie’s work on Extra earned her an Emmy Award nomination. She conducted interviews with Hollywood stars, including Terrence Howard, and covered major entertainment events. Her ability to engage with guests and ask thought-provoking questions set her apart as a journalist.

Physical Attributes

Cheslie had a striking presence, standing at 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. She maintained a healthy physique, weighing approximately 55 kg (121 lbs), with figure measurements of 35-24-36. Her black hair and deep black eyes added to her distinctive beauty.

Cheslie was passionate about fitness and wellness, incorporating regular workouts into her routine. She often shared glimpses of her exercise regimen, which included strength training, cardio, and yoga. Her commitment to physical health was not just about aesthetics—it was a reflection of her discipline and self-care philosophy.

Relationships & Personal Life

Cheslie had a strong bond with her family, particularly her mother, April Simpkins. She often credited her mother as her biggest inspiration, sharing heartfelt tributes on social media. Her siblings, including filmmaker Asa Kryst and singer Chandler Kryst, were also a significant part of her life, supporting her through her journey in law, pageantry, and television.

Despite being in the public eye, Cheslie was private about her personal relationships. She remained unmarried at the time of her passing and did not publicly disclose details about her romantic life. Instead, she focused on her career, advocacy, and personal growth, prioritizing her professional ambitions over public speculation.

Tragic Death & Circumstances

On January 30, 2022, Cheslie Kryst tragically died by suicide in New York City. Reports indicate that she fell from the 29th-floor terrace of her apartment building in Midtown Manhattan. She left behind a suicide note, in which she gave all her belongings to her mother. Her passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment and legal communities, prompting discussions about mental health and societal pressures.

Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, later shared insights into her daughter’s struggles. In her memoir, Cheslie wrote about the constant inner voice that told her she was “never enough”. She felt the burden of perfectionism, believing she had to represent an entire community while battling her own insecurities.

Tributes & Legacy

Following Cheslie’s passing, tributes poured in from celebrities, colleagues, and fans. Many expressed shock and sadness, struggling to reconcile Cheslie’s radiant public persona with the pain she endured privately. Her colleagues at Extra, fellow pageant winners, and legal professionals honored her legacy through heartfelt tributes.

Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, shared insights into her daughter’s struggles, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. Her colleagues at Poyner Spruill LLP continue to honor her memory through annual service weeks, dedicated to volunteerism and advocacy.

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