In the 2019 Miss USA pageant, Chelsie Kryst took home the crown as Miss North Carolina. She then went on to take the Miss USA crown in Reno, Nevada. Kryst took a one-year leave from her job as a lawyer and represented the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in December of 2019.

Police were called to Cheslie Kryst’s midtown apartment building around 7:13am. Kryst was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway, however, police believe the former beauty queen, who lived on the 9th floor, jumped to her death.

According to the New York Post, Kryst was last seen on the building’s terrace, which is on the 29th floor. The building is located at 350 West 42nd Street.Chillingly, Kryst shared a photo of herself on Instagram just hours before her death with the caption, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”

“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” read a statement from Kryst’s family. “Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength.

“She cares, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney or fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA.