Vigil, balloon release to mark former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s birthday. What to know.
NEED HELP? If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health crisis, there are resources available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text Hello to 741741.
NECESITA AYUDA? Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 800-273-8255
Join the family of former Miss USA and N.C. lawyer Cheslie Kryst in honoring her memory Thursday on what would have been her 31st birthday.
Everyone is welcome at the vigil and balloon release planned for 7 to 8 p.m. at the Fort Mill High football stadium, 225 Munn Road East.
“Please come and celebrate with us,” Kryst’s parents, April and David Simpkins, said in a statement Wednesday.
“We are already experiencing a remarkable outpouring of love and support for our Cheslie, for which we are tremendously grateful,” the couple said.
Kryst died by suicide at her New York apartment building in late January. She privately suffered from “high-functioning depression,” according to her mother, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Kryst won the Miss USA pageant in 2019 and was an accomplished lawyer in Charlotte who helped free incarcerated individuals.
On Feb. 18, 2022, about 300 people honored Kryst’s life and legacy at her church, Elevation Blakeney, as thousands watched online.
Where to donate
For those wishing to make a donation in Kryst’s memory, her family has approved of these charitable funds and scholarships established at schools and organizations to accept contributions:
Dress For Success – The Cheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fund, or by texting “Cheslie” to 91999.
Wake Forest University School of Law – The Cheslie C. Kryst Social Justice Scholarship to make a gift online, or contact Logan Roach, assistant dean of development, at roachlp@wfu.edu or 336-758-2676.
University of South Carolina – The Cheslie C. Kryst Scholarship Fund.
The Dean’s List – The Cheslie C. Kryst Woman In Media Award.
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 1:06 PM.