Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, a former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, has tragically passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from sepsis following the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson, at 21 weeks.
The news was confirmed by her obituary, which described her passing as “unexpected.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in her honor, shedding light on the challenging battle Anderson faced with sepsis, which ultimately led to organ failure and her placement on life support. Despite undergoing three surgeries, medical professionals struggled to identify the source of infection.
“In the early hours of March 20, surrounded by her devoted family, sweet Krissy passed away,” the tribute stated. “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.”
Reflecting on his profound loss, Anderson’s husband, Clayton William Anderson, expressed feeling “lost” and overwhelmed by the sudden absence of his wife and daughter. “There’s a lot of people in this house and it feels empty,” he shared with local media outlet Fox4.
The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders, with whom Anderson shared a decade-long tenure at the Arrowhead Stadium, paid homage to her memory on Instagram. Describing her as a beloved and adored member of their team, they highlighted her numerous accomplishments and contributions both on and off the field.
“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,” the post read in part.
Following her cheerleading career, Anderson transitioned into roles as a yoga instructor and software engineer, where she made significant contributions to the field. Notably, she was awarded a patent for her work in developing software aimed at assessing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage during her tenure at Oracle Health.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Anderson was deeply committed to philanthropic causes, including supporting organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of KC, Gabriella’s Little Library, and the First Hand Foundation. She was also a staunch advocate for advancing opportunities for Black women in STEM fields and promoting women’s health initiatives.
The GoFundMe campaign established in her memory has surpassed its initial goal of $25,000, with donations exceeding $69,000 at the time of publication. The funds raised will go towards covering medical expenses, organizing a meaningful memorial service, and establishing a legacy fund to support causes close to Anderson’s heart.
In addition to her daughter Charlotte, Anderson was preceded in death by her son James Charles, who also passed away in infancy. She is survived by her husband Clayton, parents Bertha and Burnette (BJ) Johnson, brother Corey Johnson, grandmother Carrie Banks, and several other extended relatives and in-laws.
We are sending our deepest sympathies to Anderson’s family and friends at this difficult time.
