Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson dies at 40 due to sepsis after stillbirth

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Krystal Krissy Anderson, a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, passed away at 40 due to complications from sepsis following the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte, at 21 weeks gestation.

According to a GoFundMe campaign established in her honor, Krissy's battle with sepsis resulted in organ failure, necessitating life support. Despite undergoing three surgeries, the origin of the infection remained elusive.

What happened to Krystal Anderson? 

As stated on the GoFundMe page, Krissy, who cheered for the squad in over 100 games spanning from 2006 to 2011 and 2013 to 2016, departed from this world in the early hours of March 20, surrounded by her loving family.

It added, "Her radiant smile could light up the darkest room, and her sassy responses never failed to bring laughter and joy. She loved with her whole heart, leaving an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her."

Krissy's husband, Clayton William Anderson, spoke with local outlet Fox 4 about his loss. "I feel lost,” he said. “There’s a lot of people in this house and it feels empty.”

For those who are not versed with it, the Mayo Clinic says sepsis is “a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection."

Additionally, per, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sepsis can lead to septic shock and death. In a typical year, at least 1.7 million adults in the US develop sepsis, and nearly 270,000 die from the infection. 

Following her time cheering for the Chiefs, Anderson pursued careers as both a yoga instructor and a software engineer, according to her obituary.

During her tenure as an engineer at Oracle Health, Anderson achieved a significant milestone by securing a patent for her software innovation, which assesses the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

"Krystal radiated joy and laughter to everyone she encountered," the obituary reads. "She was passionate about philanthropy, working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of KC, Gabriella's Little Library, and the First Hand Foundation. She fiercely advocated for Black women in STEM and women's health."

Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders honored Anderson's memory on Instagram, writing, “She was loved and adored by her teammates, fans, and strangers who were never strangers for long. After her time as a cheerleader, she continued to share her love of dance and Chiefs Cheer by serving in an alumni role on gameday, practices, and at events.”

"We will miss her kind spirit, joyful energy, and her sparkle. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. We will cherish every moment we had with her. At a later date, we will share how we will continue to honor her legacy ❤️💛." 

Internet slams US healthcare after Krystal Anderson's death

Several social media users slammed healthcare over Anserson's death. An Instagram user wrote, "So tragic and probably preventable if she had attentive care."

A user wrote, "This is beyond heartbreaking. Too many women suffer from maternal death." 

A user opined, "When he researches how many POC women die from childbirth by comparison VS non - he will find a viable platform. went thru some disparate treatment when I delivered my son. May this beautiful queen rest in peace; and may her passing not be in vain. Most warm & sincere condolences... #ripqueen." 

A user said, "So sad. For a developed country we have THE highest mortality rates while giving birth. PREVENTABLE mortality. It's heartbreaking that it continues on." 

Another user said, "Maternal health in the US is despicable, especially if you're Black or Brown. This is so sad." 

A user even went on saying, "So just to be clear and wrap my head around it, she worked as an engineer at Oracle Health, she was awarded a patent for developing software that assesses the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. How did this happen to HER this day and age??? It's seems surreal." 

Another user wrote, "She didn't deserve this.. RIP Queen." 

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