Sushmita Sen: 'Rest in peace my beautiful friend, Chelsi Smith'

It’s a sad day. “We are heartbroken to share the news that Chelsi Smith has passed away following a protracted illness”, Chelsi Smith’s family deeply shared their loss.

Miss USA and Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith breathe one's last at the age of 45 after a year-long fighting with liver cancer.

Sushmita also posted a photograph which captures the precious moment when the Indian beauty queen had passed her crown to Smith.

Shanna Moakler, who was the runner-up to Miss New York USA pageant in 1995, also shared on her social media to grieving her best friend.

Early last year, as quoted by Houston Chronicle, Chelsi Smith was diagnosed with cancer in spring 2017. And the situation became worse during 2017 as her health experienced a sharp decline, Jarrod Klawinsky, Smith's representative had confided.

In August, Smith went to her mother's home in Pennsylvania, where she remained until she passed away on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsi Smith is the first and only biracial Texan ever to wear threes crown Miss Texas, Miss USA and Miss Universe in the following year. The beauty queen from Deer Park after that vowed to take on racism.

After her Miss Universe reign, Chelsi became a model, an actress, and a singer. She was also a judge at the Miss USA pageant in 2016. Her aspiration inspired and enlightened women all around the world to be brave to be themselves in their own skin.

"I am a bi-racial", she made it clear.

You will remain in our heart, Chelsi. Also, our warmest condolences Chelsi’s friends and family.