Family of Cheslie Kryst, holds vigil for her 31st birthday

The family of Cheslie Kryst, the beloved beauty queen who died by suicide earlier this year, announced a public vigil is being held Thursday to mark her 31st birthday. 

As reported by k Post. She was reportedly alone in her ninth-floor unit in the 60-story Orion building at approximately 7:15 a.m. when she leaped to her death, as the theGrio reported.

Since her tragic death, several fraudulent groups and individuals have attempted to profit from Kryst’s death. The family has made clear that they have approved only four organizations to receive charitable donations in Kryst’s honor.

Per PEOPLE, those are Dress For Success – The Cheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fund; Wake Forest University School of Law – The Cheslie C. Kryst Social Justice Scholarship; University of South Carolina – The Cheslie C. Kryst Scholarship Fund; and The Dean’s List – The Cheslie C. Kryst Woman In Media Award.

“Seeking to profit improperly from our daughter’s memory is not only not authorized and thus unlawful, but it could also undermine her estate’s current and future charitable goals, initiatives, and activities,” the Simpkins’ explained.

The former pageant queen, who also reported news for ExtraTV,  worked as a litigation attorney doing pro bono work to help free prisoners who have been wrongly accused of crimes, per theGrio. She also ran a fashion blog called White Collar Glam in her spare time. The Charlotte, North Carolina native held a law degree and an MBA from Wake Forest. 

“Cheslie led both a public and a private life,” Kryst’s mom said in a statement after her death. “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.” 

Have you subscribed to the Grio podcasts, ‘Dear Culture’ or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!

The post Family of Cheslie Kryst, holds vigil for her 31st birthday appeared first on TheGrio.