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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Tim Hanlon

Heartbroken dad of former Miss USA who fell to death tells of her 'sadness'

The dad of Cheslie Kryst, who fell to her death from her Manhatten high rise, admitted that the former Miss USA was “sad” - saying it was a result of “family dysfunction”.

The 30-year-old was found dead on Sunday morning after falling from the 29th floor of the building where she lived on the ninth floor.

Just hours before her death, Cheslie posted an image of herself on Instagram alongside the caption: "May this day bring you rest and peace."

It was reported that she left a note which said she was leaving all her belongings to her mother.

Her dad Rodney Kryst, 62, said that his daughter never took drugs or had alcohol.

Cheslie was a former Miss USA winner (MUO/REX/Shutterstock)

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.”

Mr Kryst, a Polish American former bodybuilder, and Cheslie’s mum April Simpkins, a human resources executive, split up when she was a child.

“Today is a special day to show appreciation to all the fathers and father figures who have made our lives special,” Kryst said in a video she posted on her social media about her father on Father’s Day in 2020.

Cheslie Kryst fell to her death from her New York apartment block (John Angelillo/UPI/REX/Shutterstock)
Cheslie's dad admitted that she was 'sad' (REUTERS)

“My dad introduced me to athletics.

"He took my siblings and me to the track every weekend when we were young when we didn’t want to.

"And he told us endless stories of his bodybuilding days.”

As well as working on the entertainment show ExtraTV, Cheslie worked as an attorney following her Miss USA victory.

She used her win at the pageant to speak out about social and criminal justice reform.

Her family said she "embodied love and served others" (KCR/REX/Shutterstock)

Her family released a statement saying: "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.

"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 ExtraTV.

"But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on."

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.

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