Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader.Photo:Krissy Anderson/Instagram; Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Krissy Anderson Former Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader Dies of Sepsis After Stillbirth

Krissy Anderson/Instagram; Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

On March 20, Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, a former cheerleader for theKansas City Chiefs, died of sepsis following the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow, at 21 weeks. She was 40.

According to a GoFundMe set up in her honor, Krissy’s “fight with sepsis led to organ failure, and she was placed on life support." She then “underwent three surgeries, but the source of infection remained elusive.”

Krissy’s husband, Clayton William Anderson, spoke with local outletFox4about his loss. “I feel lost,” he said. “There’s a lot of people in this house and it feels empty.”

Per theMayo Clinic, sepsis is “a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection.” Sepsis can lead to septic shock and death. In a typical year, at least 1.7 million adults in the U.S. develop sepsis, and nearly 270,000 die from the infection, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

After cheering for theChiefsfrom 2006-2011 and 2013-2016, Anderson worked as a yoga instructor and software engineer, according to herobituary.

While working as an engineer at Oracle Health, Anderson was awarded a patent for developing software that assesses the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

“Krystal radiated joy and laughter to everyone she encountered,” the obituary reads. “She was passionate about philanthropy, working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of KC, Gabriella’s Little Library, and the First Hand Foundation. She fiercely advocated for Black women in STEM and women’s health.”

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Krystal Anderson (L) and husband Clayton William Anderson (R).Shanna, Cat, Mallorie, Stephanie etc./GoFundMe

Krissy Anderson Former Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader Dies of Sepsis After Stillbirth

Shanna, Cat, Mallorie, Stephanie etc./GoFundMe

“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. At a later date, we will share how we will continue to honor her legacy ❤️💛”

Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs ownerClark Hunt, commented, writing, “A profound loss for our team, organization, and anyone who ever crossed her path.💔 We love & miss you Krissy.”

source: people.com