Tragically, a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader passed away from sepsis shortly after childbirth.
The former Kansas City Cheerleader and yoga instructor Krystal Anderson died at 40. The official Chief Cheers expressed their condolences while confirming her death through their Instagram post. They paid tribute to their former teammate and star athlete. The obituary said that Anderson died unexpectedly on March 20 soon after the birth of her daughter Charlotte Willow Anderson, who was born at rest.
Tribute To Anderson
The Chief Cheers shared their tribute to the teammate who accompanied them for over 100 games through an Instagram post. The post said that the recent passing of CC alum Krystal deeply saddened them. Krystal was a part of the team from 2006-2011 and 2013-2016. She served as a captain, attended the Pro Bowl as the Chiefs representative in 2015, cheered during the London game, and visited their troops around the world, including in Iraq, Kuwait, and throughout the United States. They added that Anderson was loved and adored by fans, teammates, and even strangers. Even after becoming a cheerleader, Krystal joined the team in an alumni role for the games, practices, and events. The Chief Cheers shared they will miss her kind spirit, sparkle, and joyful energy. They shared their thoughts and prayers with her family and loved ones.
Krystal Anderson: A Multi-Talented Woman
In addition to being a cheerleader, Anderson was a yoga instructor at CorePower Yoga and a software engineer at Oracle Health. Her contributions to Oracle Health’s healthcare system have been noteworthy. Krystal received a patent for creating software that evaluates the possibility of postpartum hemorrhage. Her commitment to women’s healthcare rights extended beyond her position as a software engineer.
Krystal is survived by her husband, Clayton William Anderson, parents Bertha and Burnette (BJ) Johnson, and brother Corey Johnson. Her infant son James Charles and daughter Charlotte also survive her. In a recent interview, Clayton Anderson stated that Krystal suffered from fever after the stillbirth of their daughter. He claimed that the three operations and organ failure due to sepsis took her life. He shared that as Krystal left, he felt lost and empty even among many people.
Anderson’s funeral is expected to take place at a nearby Leawood, Kansas, church on Thursday. Rather than flowers, her family requested that well-wishers donate to her legacy fund. The family said that the fund will be used to support the causes and initiatives begun by Krystal. Her family wishes to honor her through positive actions.
What Is Sepsis?
World Health Organization states that sepsis is the body reacting to an infection inappropriately, which impairs organ function. Severe sepsis can lead to septic shock, which lowers blood pressure and damages vital organs to the point of death. Maternal sepsis is the sepsis that occurs during or after pregnancy or childbirth. When the body’s reaction to an infection damages its tissues and organs, it can result in maternal sepsis. It’s usually seen as a medical emergency that requires immediate medication.
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In the US, rates of black maternal death have traditionally been high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that during childbirth, black women are almost three times more likely to die than white women. During Black Maternal Health Week in April of last year, advocates and experts emphasized the importance of equality. Experts claim that implicit bias and systemic racism, lead to gaps in care and are responsible for the discrepancy.
According to a 2021 CDC report, the death rate of Black women increased from 55 to over 70 per 100,000 live births. The research shows that the death rates of Black women remained higher in 2021, despite them giving birth to fewer children.