Cheslie Kryst’s parents reflect on her life and passing on ‘Red Table Talk’

“I never thought I would be here. She truly was my best friend.”

Those were the first words spoken by former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, when speaking about her death by suicide on the latest episode of Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch.

“We didn’t want to have an interview that was like a soundbite. There’s been speculation about what happened and we’ve had to see things posted that are just not true”,  added her step-dad, David. The Red Table Talk interview is the first time Kryst’s parents have spoken out after her passing in January.

Kryst was crowned Miss USA in 2019 and was an entertainment news correspondent for Extra. Her position earned her two Daytime Emmy nominations. Kyrst also worked as a civil litigation attorney for Poyner Spruill in North Carolina.

Since her passing, Kryst’s parents have spoken with a psychiatrist and a grief counselor as a family.  The family has five additional children.

Kryst’s mother also added that what has helped in the healing process is “seeing smiling faces”. She said that all she was looking for was an oasis from their grief but in the process, their family’s bond has grown tighter.

Kryst’s mother, however, said that she “hoped that opening up these discussions and just talking about where Cheslie was – her state of mind at that time –  hopefully encourages people to be kinder.”

Her parents confirmed that Cheslie Kryst had been living with high functioning depression. With high functioning depression, Kryst was able to get through her day and complete tasks without having a major impairment in her ability to function.

“Cheslie had the ability to deflect,” said Simpkins. “If you said to Cheslie, ‘Cheslie, how are you doing?,’ she would say, ‘I’m fine, how are you doing?’…and I think for so many, that’s why they feel like they were best friends with Cheslie because she was so intent on talking about them, not her.”

According to Simpkins, her daughter began showing symptoms of depression at the age of 20 and had previously attempted suicide.  Although her daughter sought therapy and was taking care of her wellness, she said she “didn’t know the severity of her depression”.

“Depression is not always marked by someone laying in bed or unable to do things,” Simpkins said. “There are people who are high-functioning, who can get through the day ‘cause they wear the face.”

If you or someone else you know is struggling, the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day. They are also available through chat. The Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis after dialing 741741.