by the time you read this: the space between cheslie’s smile and mental illness--her story in her own words

By the Time You Read This is the story former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was about to publish before her tragic suicide. Her mother, April, wraps up the narrative by exploring the mental illness and depression that took her daughter’s life.

The text read, ＂By the time you get this . . .＂ This is the story of Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA, in her own words.

When the world awoke on the morning of January 30, 2022, many were shocked to learn of the tragic death of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst.

For most people, the news was unfathomable. How could a young woman in the prime of her life--a pageant queen, accomplished attorney, Extra correspondent, and tireless advocate for charity organizations--have been lost to the world so suddenly?

By the Time You Read This shares the manuscript Cheslie wrote before her passing, her story in her own words--from the highest highs of passing two bar exams, winning Miss USA, and beginning an exciting career as an entertainment journalist to the lowest lows of heartbreak, betrayal, and persistent depression.

When Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, picks up the narrative, she shares for the first time what she experienced in the aftermath of Cheslie’s suicide. When faced with such a devastating loss, how does a mother find a way to carry on?

Whether you are someone who struggles to maintain your mental health, or you love someone who does, this book will share insight into a reality that impacts thousands of families every year--as well as provide hope for those who are left behind.

Net proceeds from the book will be used to support the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation, which is being founded in Cheslie’s honor.

April Simpkins is a mental health advocate, serving as an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a board member for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, where she serves her local community. She has earned a Mental Health First Aid Certification and is also trained in Emotional CPR. As a C-suite executive, April is an in-demand public speaker who has addressed audiences internationally on the topics of leadership, culture, DEI, and mental health in the workplace. She has received numerous awards for her business acumen and community service.

April is the wife of David, the mother of six incredible children, and the grandmother of one beautiful granddaughter.

Cheslie Kryst was a complex civil litigation attorney licensed to practice law in both North and South Carolina. Passionate about criminal justice reform, she worked pro bono for clients serving excessive time for low-level drug offenses. Cheslie was crowned Miss USA in May 2019 and represented the United States at the 2019 Miss Universe Competition, placing in the top ten of ninety countries.

In October 2019, Cheslie was named a correspondent for the nationally broadcast entertainment news show Extra, where she regularly interviewed the world’s biggest names, celebrities, and influencers.