Cheslie Kryst's mother reveals late daughter's private battle with depression
April Simpkins, the mother of former Miss USA and "Extra" correspondent Cheslie Kryst, said her 30-year-old daughter was dealing with depression at the time of her death.
Kryst's body was found on the ground Sunday morning in front of a New York City high-rise, according to the New York Police Department. She died by suicide, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Monday.
Simpkins began her statement by saying, "I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed."
"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," Simpkins said.
"While her life on this earth was short, it was filled with many beautiful memories," she continued. "We miss her laugh, her words of wisdom, her sense of humor and mostly her hugs. We miss all of it - we miss all of her. She was a vital part of our family which makes this loss even more devastating."
Simpkins called her daughter a "ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles" and said she was "more than a daughter - you were my best friend."
"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," Simpkins added.
In lieu of flowers, Kryst's mother asked for donations to Dress for Success, "an organization that was dear to [Chelsie's] heart." The nonprofit provides professional clothing to people in need.
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. You can reach Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 (U.S.) or 877-330-6366 (Canada) and The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.
