Connect with us

Entertainment

Devastated father of Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, who jumped to her death, weeps, says ‘She was pure’

Published

on

 

The father of the young beauty queen who leaped to her death from a Manhattan high-rise Sunday morning said his daughter was “pure,” didn’t use drugs or alcohol and said it was likely some kind of depression led her to take her own life.

February 28, 2020 – New York, NY:
Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA, dressed in red.

“She was pure, she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,” a man who identified himself as Rodney Kryst, 62, told The Post from his home in Charlotte, NC, Tuesday. “She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.”

Said Kryst, “I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction but it will be awhile before we can talk more. She was sad.”

Rodney Kryst is a Polish-American former bodybuilder. He and her mother, April Simpkins, a human resources executive, split up when Cheslie was young and her mother remarried. Rodney and April had four children together.

See also  Senator abducted by gunmen in Uyo

“Today is a special day to show appreciation to all the fathers and father figures who have made our lives special,” Kryst said in a video she posted on her social media about her father on Father’s Day in 2020.

“My dad introduced me to athletics. He took my siblings and me to the track every weekend when we were young when we didn’t want to. And he told us endless stories of his body-building days.”

She also gave props to her stepfather and said both men inspired her.

On Monday, Cheslie’s grandfather, Gary Simpkins, said the family was reeling from the loss.

“To be extinguished so fast is just devastating,’” Simpkins said Monday. “‘So hard to imagine one minute they’re here and one minute they’re not. And you know that the only [way] you’ll ever see them again is when you yourself pass away.”

Kryst was found by police at about 7:15 a.m. Sunday on the ground outside of the Orion condominium building at 350 W. 42nd St., where she lived on the ninth floor. She was alone when she jumped from an open terrace on the 29th floor that morning.

See also  ‘Falling since 1992’ — Tinubu’s aide taunts Atiku over comments on president’s fall

Kryst’s family released a statement after her death.

“In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined.”

The statement added: “Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, and colleague – we know her impact will live on.”F

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

BREAKING: Veteran actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

Published

on

By

Veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ passing was disclosed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying the family was grateful for his life and asking the public to respect their privacy.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

He was also a film executive and a major figure in the development of Nigeria’s contemporary film industry.

Olu Jacobs was widely recognised for his commanding performances and roles across Nigerian and international productions, earning him a lasting place in the country’s entertainment history.

See also  Senator abducted by gunmen in Uyo

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Nollywood actress Tope Osoba laid to rest in Iperu Remo

Published

on

By

The remains of late Nollywood actress, Tope Osoba, were laid to rest on Thursday in her hometown of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, weeks after her death.

The burial service was held at Akesan Club, Iperu Remo, after her body left the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

The remains were were later interred at the Iperu Remo Cemetery.

Colleagues, friends and family, all dressed in white, gathered to pay their last respects to the actress.

Osoba’s death was announced on August 5, months after she underwent breast cancer surgery.

Following her passing, the family initially set August 13, 2026, for the burial, following a candlelight procession and an artistes’ tribute night in her honour on August 11.

The burial was postponed to allow further arrangements and the resolution of outstanding matters.

Prominent Nollywood figures present at the funeral included Foluke Daramola, Kunle Afod and Joke Jigan.

See also  Again, gunmen kill 11, raze 30 houses in fresh Southern Kaduna village attack

Osoba was known for her roles in Yoruba movies.

Her passing drew tributes from colleagues, who described her as dedicated and passionate about the industry.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Another Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, dies after battling cancer

Published

on

By

The sad mood among members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), has continued to linger with the announcement of the death of Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, who passed away after battling breast cancer.

The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday in a statement by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa.

The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her.

“I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video.

“Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.”

See also  BREAKING: 20-year-old UNILORIN student kills self after lending ‘online lover’ N500,000

In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read.

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”

Tampan further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

See also  APC submits senatorial candidates’ names to INEC

The actress’ death comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.

Continue Reading

Trending News