Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson tragically passed away last week at the age of 40 after experiencing a stillbirth and battling sepsis.
Anderson, affectionately known as “Krissy” to her loved ones, was hospitalized during her pregnancy and delivered her daughter, Charlotte Willow, following doctors’ inability to detect a heartbeat.
However, complications arose when Anderson developed a fever the day after giving birth, leading to sepsis and organ failure.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and being placed on life support, Anderson succumbed to her illness early Wednesday morning.
Expressing profound grief, Clayton Anderson, her husband, described feeling lost in the wake of her passing. He fondly remembered his wife as a radiant individual whose infectious smile and witty responses brought joy to those around her.
“I feel lost,” her husband said. “There’s a lot of people in this house and it feels empty.”
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover medical and funeral expenses, as well as to establish a legacy fund, which has garnered significant support, raising over $67,000 by Tuesday afternoon.
Acknowledging Anderson’s contributions, the Kansas City Chiefs expressed deep sadness at her passing, noting her significant tenure as a cheerleader for the franchise.
Anderson cheered in over 100 games from 2006 to 2011 and resumed her role from 2013 to 2016, endearing herself to teammates, fans, and strangers alike. Beyond her cheerleading career, Anderson was committed to promoting women’s health and supporting Black women in STEM fields.
She worked tirelessly with various charitable organizations, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of KC and the Oracle Health Foundation.
Anderson’s tragic death sheds light on the concerning maternal mortality rates in the United States, particularly among Black women.
Despite advances in healthcare, Black mothers face significantly higher risks during childbirth, with factors such as implicit bias and medical racism contributing to adverse outcomes.
