Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, known for her tenure as a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader and her role as a yoga instructor, has passed away at the age of 40. The Chiefs Cheer team announced her passing on their Instagram, paying tribute to her legacy. Anderson’s obituary revealed that she died unexpectedly on March 20, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson, who was stillborn.
Anderson’s time with the Chiefs Cheer spanned several years, cheering in over 100 games from 2006 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2016. She represented the Chiefs at the Pro Bowl in 2015, served as a team captain, participated in the London game, and supported U.S. troops globally, including in Iraq and Kuwait.
Described as a beloved team member known for her sparkling personality, Anderson also contributed to the Chiefs Cheer in an alumni role, participating in practices and events even after her cheerleading days. The team expressed deep sorrow over her loss and plans to honor her memory.
Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, also expressed condolences, recognizing Anderson’s profound impact on the team and those she met.
Beyond cheerleading, Anderson was a software engineer, notably receiving a patent for developing software to assess the risk of post-partum hemorrhage. She is survived by her husband Clayton Anderson, her parents, a brother, and other family members. Anderson also experienced the loss of her infant son, James Charles, before her passing.
Clayton Anderson revealed in an interview that Krystal developed sepsis following the stillbirth of their daughter, leading to organ failure and multiple surgeries, ultimately resulting in her untimely death.
Sepsis, an extreme body response to infection causing organ malfunction and possibly death, is noted by the Mayo Clinic. The high maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S. are a pressing concern, with Black women facing nearly triple the risk of childbirth-related deaths compared to white women.
Experts like Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Chavone Momon-Nelson emphasize the need for foundational changes in healthcare systems, including improved access and representation, to combat this disparity. The low percentage of Black physicians, especially Black female physicians, underscores the rarity of Black patients receiving care from doctors who share their racial background.