Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader and yoga instructor, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 40 shortly after the birth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson, who was stillborn. The official Chiefs Cheer Instagram account confirmed her death and expressed their condolences, paying tribute to Anderson’s time as a cheerleader from 2006-2011 and 2013-2016. She was known for attending over 100 games, serving as a captain of her team, representing the Chiefs at the Pro Bowl in 2015, visiting troops around the world, and continuing to share her love of dance and Chiefs Cheer in an alumni role after retiring from cheerleading.
Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, commented on the Instagram post, expressing profound sadness at the loss of Anderson and remembering her as a beloved member of the team and organization. Anderson was also a software engineer who made significant contributions to improving healthcare, including earning a patent for developing software that assesses the risk of post-partum hemorrhage. She is survived by her husband Clayton Anderson, parents Bertha and Burnette Johnson, brother Corey Johnson, and several other family members. Anderson’s obituary also mentioned that she was preceded in death by her infant son, James Charles.
In an interview with a local news outlet, Clayton Anderson revealed that his wife developed sepsis after their daughter was stillborn, leading to organ failure and three surgeries. Sepsis occurs when the body responds improperly to an infection, causing organs to function poorly. Black maternal mortality rates in the United States have been disproportionately high, with Black women being nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women. To address this issue, healthcare experts suggest a fundamental change in healthcare systems, including increased insurance coverage, access to resources, and diverse representation among healthcare providers.
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB-GYN in Dallas, and Dr. Chavone Momon-Nelson emphasize the importance of addressing systemic barriers that contribute to racial disparities in maternal mortality rates. Studies have shown that patients treated by healthcare providers who share their racial or ethnic background tend to have better outcomes. However, Black physicians make up only a small percentage of the overall physician population, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the medical field. By addressing these challenges and implementing systemic changes, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards reducing Black maternal mortality rates in the United States.
