Krystal Anderson, a 40-year-old former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, tragically passed away last week due to sepsis. Her family revealed that she had recently experienced a stillbirth.
Krissy Anderson, as she is called by her friends, was admitted to the hospital when she was five months pregnant. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to find a heartbeat, and she had to deliver her daughter, Charlotte Willow. Tragically, Krissy developed a fever the day after giving birth, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She fought against sepsis, which eventually led to organ failure. Despite being put on life support and undergoing three surgeries, she sadly passed away early Wednesday morning.
“I feel lost,” expressed Clayton Anderson, her husband, in an interview with the station. He described the house as being filled with numerous people, yet it still felt empty.
“Krissy embodied more than just the roles of a wife, mother, daughter, or friend; she was the epitome of enchantment,” stated a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign dedicated to her memory. “Her radiant smile had the power to illuminate even the darkest room, and her witty comebacks never failed to evoke laughter and bring joy. She loved wholeheartedly, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraising page had raised over $67,000 to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and establish a legacy fund.
The Chiefs expressed their condolences for Anderson’s passing on Thursday. In a tweet, the team stated that the cheerleading squad was “deeply saddened” by the news. They highlighted Anderson’s impressive tenure, noting that she had cheered in over 100 games with the team. She was a member of the squad from 2006 to 2011, and then returned for another stint from 2013 to 2016.
According to the individuals who knew her, she was deeply cherished and admired by her teammates, fans, and even those she had just met. They emphasized that even after her tenure as a cheerleader, she remained committed to spreading her passion for dance and her involvement with the Chiefs Cheer. This dedication was evident as she continued to contribute to the team in an alumni capacity, participating in gameday activities, practices, and various events.
The team has announced that they will reveal future plans to commemorate Anderson’s legacy at a later time.
After retiring from the NFL, Anderson pursued a career in teaching yoga and worked as a software engineer at Oracle Health. According to an obituary, she was a strong advocate for Black women in STEM and women’s health. In addition, she dedicated her time to philanthropy, collaborating with organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of KC, the perinatal bereavement nonprofit Gabriella’s Little Library, and the Oracle Health Foundation.
According to her husband, she was a remarkable source of positivity and radiance, capable of brightening up any room she entered.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that maternal deaths in the U.S. have been increasing over the past twenty years. However, the disparity between Black and white women remains significant, with Black women being two to three times more likely to die during childbirth. This alarming statistic is further compounded by the presence of implicit bias and medical racism, which puts Black mothers at a higher risk of experiencing life-threatening complications such as preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood clots.
