Former Chiefs Cheerleader Krystal Anderson Dies Days After Stillbirth

Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader and yoga instructor, tragically passed away at the age of 40.

The official Chiefs Cheer Instagram confirmed her unexpected death, paying tribute to Anderson's significant contributions to the team during her time as a cheerleader from 2006 to 2011 and 2013 to 2016. She was not only a dedicated cheerleader but also represented the Chiefs at events like the Pro Bowl in 2015 and visited troops worldwide.

The Chiefs Cheer statement highlighted Anderson's impact, stating, “She was loved and adored by her teammates, fans, and strangers who were never strangers for long.”

After her cheerleading tenure, Anderson continued to share her passion for dance and the Chiefs Cheer legacy as an alumni member, contributing to game day events and practices.

Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, expressed heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Anderson's profound influence and the loss felt by the team and community.

Apart from her role in cheerleading and yoga, Anderson was a software engineer, earning recognition for her work in healthcare technology, including a patent for software addressing post-partum hemorrhage risk.

Anderson is survived by her husband, Clayton Anderson, and her parents, Bertha and Burnette Johnson, among other family members. Tragically, her obituary noted the loss of her infant son, James Charles, before her own passing.

Clayton Anderson shared the heartbreaking details of Krissy's battle with sepsis after the stillbirth of their daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson. Sepsis, an improper body response to infection, can lead to organ failure and severe complications.

Black maternal mortality rates in the U.S. have long been concerning, with Black women facing higher risks during childbirth compared to white women. Experts emphasize the need for systemic changes, including improved access to healthcare resources and increased representation of Black physicians in medical care to address these disparities and save lives.