PAGEANT Circle

Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi shared a touching tribute on the first anniversary of her friend and former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst's death on January 30. The South African beauty who won Miss Universe in 2019 went to social media to post an old video of her while wearing a matching outfit with Cheslie. She wrote in her caption, "I can’t believe today marks a year since we lost you." Zozibini competed with Cheslie during the 68th Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, Georgia. After the competition, they shared an apartment in New York City while respectively reigning as Miss Universe and Miss USA. Unknown to everyone prior to her tragic passing, Cheslie was quietly battling high-functioning depression, and just a year ago, she ended her life by jumping from her high-rise apartment. "Just like you wanted, we will always take a moment to remind people to seek help and take care of their mental health always," Zozibini continued in her post. "Hope you’re restin...

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was seen bursting into tears during an emotional tribute dedicated to former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst at the 71st Miss Universe pageant on January 14 in New Orleans. Catriona shared an apartment with Cheslie in New York City during their reigns. Cheslie tragically took her own life in January 2020 by jumping to her death from the Manhattan apartment building where she lived. During the tribute, a video montage was played showing a vibrant and happy Cheslie, while she was silently dealing with high-functioning depression. April Simpkins, Cheslie's mother, went onstage to give a moving message: "Cheslie loved this Miss Universe community. She often spoke about the support she received from all of you and the Miss Universe Organization, and for that, I'm forever grateful." She continued her speech by talking about Cheslie's silent battles: "The Cheslie you saw didn’t always match the way she felt inside. Just because someone tells ...

Sad news shocked the entire pageant community after the tragic passing of Cheslie Kryst, an Emmy Award-nominated "Extra" correspondent, and a former Miss USA winner. According to reports, the 30-year-old jumped off a high-rise apartment building in Midtown Manhattan, New York, and her lifeless body was found on Sunday morning. "In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," her family shared in a statement. "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 was crowned Miss USA 2019 while representing North Carolina and went on to compete at the Miss Universe 2019 pageant in Atlanta, Georgia where she placed in the Top 10. Before her death, she posted a photo on social media with the caption "May this day bring you rest and peace" and a heart emoji. The Miss Universe and Miss USA Organizations are devastated to lear...