Zozibini Tunzi remembers Miss USA Cheslie Kryst: 'Hope you’re resting easy Queen'

One year ago today, the beauty pageant world woke up to the tragic news that former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst had died. 

The 30-year-old lost her battle with depression which she had been privately dealing with for years. Cheslie fell from a 60-story building in New York. She reportedly lived on the 27th floor. 

Zozibini became close friends with the model and TV correspondent after winning the Miss Universe pageant in 2019. They shared an apartment in the Big Apple. 

The 29-year-old says she "didn't sleep a wink" after hearing about her friend's death. One year later, Zozibini says her passing is still hard to believe. 

She shared a video of Cheslie greeting her at an apartment door in unplanned, matching denim looks. 

"That one time I arrived and we were matching because synergy baby! I can’t believe today marks a year since we lost you," Zozi wrote. 

The beauty queen adds that she never misses an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health.

"Just like you wanted, we will always take a moment to remind people to seek help and take care of their mental health always. Hope you’re resting easy Queen. We love you forever and always my friend." 

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A few months after Cheslie's death, Zozibini revealed that mental health awareness and education will be one of the key focuses of her foundation. 

She revealed in August 2022 that she will be setting up the Zozibini Tunzi Foundation.

"Even though my foundation is still at its base level, I want to address issues that are facing women, children and education, but incorporate it with educating people about mental health issues through workshops. It is important that people speak about mental health struggles and making sure that everyone is strengthened as they go through life," she told the Sunday World in an interview. 

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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or is considering suicide, please call one of the following numbers for help: 

Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 or SMS line 31393.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Mental Health Line 011 234 4837.

Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit (24 hours a day) 0861 435 787.

Main image credit: Instagram/@zozitunzi, @chesliekryst