Family of Cheslie Kryst plans celebration of life; public invited to attend – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — The family of Cheslie Kryst will host a celebration of life for her at a Ballantyne church next week.

Kryst, 30, died by suicide on Jan. 30 in New York City. The Charlotte native and former attorney was also crowned Miss USA in 2019. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, where she was a track and field star.

“I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed,” said her mother April Simpkins, in a statement on Feb. 2.

“Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed,” Simpkins said. “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.

[ PREVIOUS: ‘Forever changed’: Mother says loss of daughter, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst has been devastating ]

A news release shared Thursday said Kryst’s public memorial will be on Friday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Elevation Blakeney: 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277.

The celebration will also be live streamed. The public is welcome to attend, organizers said.

Kryst’s family will hold a private, invitation-only celebration prior to the public celebration, as they continue to ask the public to respect their privacy during this time.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

Channel 9 has a list of resources for anyone who may be struggling. You can find the county-by-county guide here.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to Dress for Success, an organization that was dear to Kryst’s heart, her mother said.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte native, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst dies at 30, family says)

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