Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s Mom Reveals She Had Depression Prior To Taking Her Own Life

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst committed suicide last week. While mourning her daughters passing, Cheslie Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, opened up about Cheslie’s struggles prior to her suicide.

Simpkins wrote in a statement addressing her daughter’s sudden loss that the pain she feels for her daughter is deeper than anything she’s felt. She added that Cheslie had both public and private facets to her life, and she opened up about the latter only near the end.

I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed. 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.

Kryst’s mother reflected upon her brief life. She added that while her daughter had a brief life, “it was filled with beautiful memories.” Simpkins said that her family misses her laugh, wisdom, humor, and mostly her hugs.

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.

April Simpkins and her family is imploring well wishers to donate to Dress for Success, which is an organization that Cheslie supported. In the note, her mother also linked a number of the National Suicide Helpline.

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