Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA, dead at 30

Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA, lawyer and television personality, has died at the age of 30 after apparently jumping from an apartment building in Manhattan Sunday morning.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed her cause of death to The Hill on Sunday evening. In a statement to The Washington Post, Kryst's family said "her impact will live on."

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

"Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague - we know her impact will live on," the family's statement concluded.

Kryst won the 2019 Miss USA pageant in a year where black women all own five major pageants.

Kryst also held a law and master's in business degree from Wake Forest University and was working as an attorney in North Carolina before entering the pageant scene. She was previously a Division 1 track-and-field athlete at University of South Carolina.

After winning the pageant, Kryst joined entertainment television program "Extra" as a correspondent, where the show's producers cited her as a "vital part of our show"

"Our hearts are broken," Extra said in a statement. "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."

Politicians also expressed their condolences Sunday on Kryst's death.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of my friend Cheslie Kryst's passing. Cheslie was an inspiration and a role model for so many," said North Carolina Senate candidate Cheri Beasley, who also served as Chief Justice of the state's Supreme Court, in a tweet.

"She was brilliant and talented, and she used her gifts to uplift women and pursue a better world. She will be sorely missed," she added.

"I am heartbroken to hear about the tragic death of former Miss North Carolina & Miss USA Cheslie Kryst," Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said in a tweet.