Sushmita Sen, beauty queens pay tribute to Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith

Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith, a strong voice for biracial heritage, passed away on September 8 at the age of 45. 

Smith's family confirmed the heartbreaking news. In a statement shared with entertainment outfit People, they encouraged the celebration of "her remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young women around the world."

On Twitter, Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen — who crowned Smith — paid tribute to her fellow queen. 

"I loved her smile & that generous spirit!!! Rest in peace my beautiful friend," Sen said.

I loved her smile & that generous spirit!!! Rest in peace my beautiful friend @Chelsi_Smith #MissUniverse1995 Dugga Dugga ???? pic.twitter.com/rm63b98Q72

— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) September 9, 2018

Shanna Moakler, who was first runner up to Smith during the Miss USA 1995 competition, also took to Twitter to pay her respects.

"Tonight I will be playing poker for @CancerFreeGen  in honor of my dear friend @Chelsi_Smith who I lost today to cancer. I am heartbroken. Godspeed beautiful. You were my friend and a light. I love and will miss you more then you will never know. The epitome of a Queen," Moakler said.

In a separate tweet, she shared one of her favorite photos with Smith.

Love this photo of @Chelsi_Smith and I... pic.twitter.com/0ktSuPjuoT

— Shanna Moakler (@ShannaMoakler) September 9, 2018

Reporter Lina de Florias revealed that it was Smith who inspired her to join the Miss USA pageant. 

Heartbreaking to learn former Miss Texas USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe 1995, Chelsi Smith has passed away. She inspired my journey to #MissUSA and was a wonderful woman and friend. #MissTXUSA #MissUSA pic.twitter.com/jewIFrcdK8

— Lina de Florias (@linadeflorias) September 8, 2018

The Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe social media pages have all shared their thoughts with Smith's relatives.

The Miss Universe community sends sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Chelsi Smith, Miss USA & Miss Universe 1995. pic.twitter.com/zYfPwXVeY2

— Miss USA & Miss Teen USA (@MissUSA) September 9, 2018

 — AT, GMA News