Current:Home > NewsFormer Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson dies from sepsis after giving birth -Ascend Wealth Education
Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson dies from sepsis after giving birth
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-07 03:01:34
A former NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs tragically died from sepsis after giving birth.
Krystal Anderson, a resident of Leawood, Kansas, died unexpectedly last week on March 20, shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow, "who was born at rest," according to an online obituary. Anderson was just 40 years old.
A GoFundMe page set up to cover Anderson's medical expenses, the cost of her memorial service, and establish a legacy fund, said that "Krissy’s journey took an unexpected turn," during her 21st week of pregnancy when she was admitted to the hospital.
"Krissy sought out hospitalization during her 21st week of pregnancy, and despite the trauma of losing her baby girl, Charlotte, during childbirth, she fought on," the GoFundMe page said. "Her fight with sepsis, led to organ failure, and she was placed on life support. Krissy underwent three surgeries, but the source of infection remained elusive."
She eventually died on March 20, "surrounded by her devoted family," the GoFundMe page said.
Anderson is survived by her husband Clayton William Anderson, parents Bertha and Burnette (BJ) Johnson and brother Corey Johnson among other extended relatives and in-laws. She is preceded in death by her daughter Charlotte and infant son, James Charles.
"Krissy and her husband, Clayton, have touched countless lives in our community," said the GoFundMe. "As a former NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, Krissy brought her energy and passion to every performance for ten seasons--she was a dynamic athlete."
Tragedy:Pregnant Chick-fil-A manager killed in crash with prison transport van before baby shower
'Passionate about women's healthcare rights'
Besides cheerleading, Anderson also worked as a Software Engineer at Oracle Health “making significant contributions to improving healthcare, including being awarded a patent for developing software that assesses the risk of post-partum hemorrhage,” and as a yoga instructor at CorePower Yoga.
"Krissy was passionate about women's healthcare rights that went beyond her work as a software engineer for Oracle Health," the GoFundMe page said.
Anderson's funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at a local church in Leawood, Kansas. Her loved ones have requested well-wishers to contribute towards her legacy fund instead of bringing flowers.
“This fund will support causes and initiatives that were close to Krissy’s heart. Let’s ensure that her name lives on, not only in our memories but also in the positive actions we take in her honor,” the family said.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis can occur when the body is trying to respond to an infection. Sepsis during or after pregnancy or childbirth is called maternal sepsis. The World Health Organization says maternal sepsis "arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs". In most cases it is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders 'deeply saddened' by Krystal's death
As the news of Anderson's death spread, condolences poured in from across the country, with the official Instagram account of the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, Chiefs Cheer, celebrating Anderson's life and sending condolences to her family.
"We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of CC alum Krystal," Chiefs Cheer said. "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."
Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, commented on the post, writing, “A profound loss for our team, organization, and anyone who ever crossed her path. We love & miss you Krissy. Hug Lamar & Norma for us.”
'Three times the rate of white women':Experts call out factors making pregnancy far less safe for Black people in America
Black women at higher risk of dying during childbirth, statistics show
An uptick in maternal death rates has been noted in recent times with Black women suffering the highest rates of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. – almost three times the rate of white women.
In April last year, during the Black Maternal Health Week, advocates and experts raised the alarm on the urgent need for equity. Systemic racism – including historic neglect of Black and other communities of color that led to gaps in care – as well as implicit bias contribute to the disparity, experts say.
A CDC report from 2021 showed that Black women’s rates rose from 55 to almost 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. While Black women gave birth less in 2021, they still died at higher rates, according to the data.
Check USA TODAY's extensive reporting on maternal health disparities here.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (5348)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia’s Kennesaw State University
- Bernie Sanders to deliver University of New England graduation speech: How to watch
- 3 dead, including 6-year-old boy, after Amtrak train hits pickup truck in New York
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- WNBA investigating $100,000 annual sponsorships for Aces players from Las Vegas tourism authority
- Bernie Sanders to deliver University of New England graduation speech: How to watch
- Lainey Wilson the big winner at 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- The Israel-Hamas war is testing whether campuses are sacrosanct places for speech and protest
Ranking
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Horoscopes Today, May 18, 2024
- Ohio voters approved reproductive rights. Will the state’s near-ban on abortion stand?
- Sentencing trial set to begin for Florida man who executed 5 women at a bank in 2019
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Timeline of the Assange legal saga over extradition to the US on espionage charges
- Target Drops New Collection With Content Creator Jeneé Naylor Full of Summer Styles & More Cute Finds
- Kyle Larson qualifies 5th for 2024 Indy 500, flies to NASCAR All-Star Race, finishes 4th
Recommendation
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
Israeli War Cabinet member says he'll quit government June 8 unless new war plan is adopted
Dive team finds bodies of 2 men dead inside plane found upside down in Alaska lake
Sour Patch Kids Oreos? Peeps Pepsi? What’s behind the weird flavors popping up on store shelves
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
San Diego deputy who pleaded guilty to manslaughter now faces federal charges
Kyle Richards Shares a Surprisingly Embarrassing Moment From Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Benedictine Sisters condemn Harrison Butker's speech, say it doesn't represent college