Miss Oklahoma Albreuna Gonzaque Reflects On Passing of Cheslie Kryst

One week ago, the pageant community lost one of their own after former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst took her own life.

Monday, February 7th 2022, 5:41 pm

By: Brittany Toolis


The beauty pageant community is still shaken after the loss of one of their own. January 30th, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst died after police say she jumped from her New York city apartment. Current reigning Miss Oklahoma USA, Albreuna Gonzaque learned the tragic news from a mutual friend. She said she didn't believe it at first, and it took a few days to sink in, that someone she looked up to was gone. One thing she wants people to know is no matter how beautiful the veneer, mental health doesn't discriminate.  

"I am so sad that we're here we're talking about her in the past tense. I still can't believe it," said Miss Oklahoma USA, Albreuna Gonzaque.

Cheslie Kryst won the title Miss USA in 2019. Hers was a historic reign as at 28-years-old Kryst was the oldest Miss USA winner; and that year for the first time ever all five major crowns (Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss World) were placed a woman of color's head. But the current Miss Oklahoma USA echoes the adage, heavy is the head that wears the crown.

"It may look like it's just tiaras, sashes and nice pretty dresses. Showing up at cool places. But it's really really stressful," said Gonzaque. She added, "being in the spotlight so much can make you feel isolated and that's something I struggled with in my reign."

Kryst's sudden and tragic loss is something Gonzaque has been through before.

"I lost my father when I was nineteen to his battle with mental health. So, it was very triggering not only for me but for everyone in the community who has ever had a mental health crisis or had a loved one suffer from that," explained Gonzaque.

Gonzaque said being Miss Oklahoma is literally living her dream; but any title holder will agree it opens you up to constant scrutiny.

"Being judged, and having things posted about you, comments from thousands of people you've never met," she said. Gonzaque added, "I've never experienced bullying to that magnitude. We're not halfway there this is - I've gotten threats, I've been called ugly."

Her message to anyone in the middle of a mental health struggle.

 "You are loved. Even when they're at they're most vulnerable state, even when they feel like they're not enough. You are. It may sound cliche but there is someone tonight who needs to hear that." 


It is our policy to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

Brittany Toolis

Bio coming soon!

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