April Simpkins, the mother of former Miss USA Chelsie Kryst, has released a heartbreaking statement following her daughter’s death.
The 2019 pageant winner and 30-year-old attorney died by suicide on Sunday (January 30) after she jumped from her luxury 60-story Orion building at 350 W. 42nd St. around 7:15 a.m.
In the statement posted on Instagram, Chelsie’s mother shared that she is “forever changed” by the loss of her daughter.
“I have never known a pain as deep as this,” she wrote.
April also revealed Chelsie was secretly battling high-functioning depression and it was something that she hid from everyone – until shortly before her death.
Read the full statement below.
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.
While her life on this earth was short, it was filled with many beautiful memories. 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.
Cheslie – to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles. We talked, FaceTimed or texted one another all day, every day. 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.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Dress for Success, an organization that was dear to her heart. If you or anyone else is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.
Thank you all for continuing to respect the privacy of our family while we grieve. For any additional inquiries, please contact LaToya Evans (LEPR Agency) at latoya@latoyasevans.com.
See the original post below.
Please join me in keeping the family and friends of Chelsie Kryst uplifted in prayer during this very difficult time.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
