Cheslie Kryst's mum has broke her silence after the devastating news that the former Miss USA winner died at the age of 30.
The model's death was rule as suicide on Tuesday after she fell to her death from her Manhattan high rise.
Now, mum April Simpkins says her daughter "was dealing with high-functioning depression".
In a statement to PEOPLE, April said: "I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed. Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed.
"While it may be hard to believe, it's true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone — including me, her closest confidant — until very shortly before her death."
She continued to say that Cheslie's life was filled with many beautiful memories despite it being tragically cut short.
April said that she will miss so much about her daughter, including her laugh and sense of humour, but devastatingly said she will "miss all of her".
In emotional words directed towards her daughter she added: "You were more than a daughter — you were my very best friend.
"Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were infectious. I love you baby girl with all my heart.
"I miss you desperately. I know one day we'll be together again. Until then, rest easy and in peace."
Like her daughter, April had a large history with beauty pageants. In 2002, she was named Mrs North Carolina and became only the second Black woman to do so according to the Charlotte Observer.
April's words follow Cheslie's dad's comments who also said his daughter was "sad".
Rodney Kryst, 62, split from April when Cheslie was a child, but said that his daughter never took drugs or had alcohol.
He told the New York Post : "She was pure as can be, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication.”
He added: "I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction but it will be a while before we can talk more. She was sad."
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