April Simpkins, mother of the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, 30, who committed suicide on Sunday has broken her silence, revealing the probable cause that led her biological daughter to take her own life.
According to Ms. Simpkins, 53, her pageant winner daughter Kryst ‘hid’ her depression from the world.
‘Cheslie – to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles,’ the late pageant winner and attorney’s mother says in a heartbreaking statement on Wednesday.
This was after the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide.
Ms. Simpkins in the statement revealed that Ms. Kryst, had been dealing with “high-functioning depression”.
She hadn’t confided in anyone about her mental illness “until very shortly before her death”, she said.
Her statement reads:
‘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.”
The 30-year-old is said to have left behind a note saying she “wanted to leave everything” to her mother.
An investigation by the NYPD was launched with an autopsy carried out. The coroner’s office announced on Wednesday that her death was ruled a suicide.
