MANILA, Philippines — Filipina beauty queens Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach paid tribute to the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who passed away yesterday.
Miss Universe 2018 mourned the death of her co-beauty queen, posting a photo of herself with Cheslie.
Gray captioned her post, "Ches… I can’t believe the news. Rest in peace angel. The world will miss your light.”
Catriona then urged the public to reach out to their friends and loved ones who are in need of mental health support, "Let’s reach out to friends and loved ones. These continue to be isolating times, mental health is so important, let’s not downplay its importance in the lives of every individual."
The two were reportedly close because they were together for a while at the official New York residence of the Miss Universe Organization, when Gray won the Miss Universe 2018 title while Kryst won the Miss USA 2019 title, respectively.
Related: Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst posts farewell before death, Miss Universe pays homage
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also expressed her sadness on her Instagram page, “So sorry, Cheslie… you were so kind. Thank you. You’re an inspiration & loved by so many. Rest in peace Cheslie.”
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, who was Cheslie's batchmate during the 68th Miss Universe pageant held in Georgia, USA last December 8, 2019, also mourned the death of Kryst.
Ganados posted on social media, “Woke up to the saddest news! I can’t believe i’ll never see you again. You will be missed and the light you shone so bright. Heaven has gained another angel. Gone too soon!”