Former Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson, 40, dies 'unexpectedly' after childbirth

The Kansas City Chiefs are mourning the loss of one of their own after announcing that former cheerleader Krystal "Krissy" Anderson died shortly after giving birth to her daughter last week. She was 40. 

The Chiefs Cheer team shared the heartbreaking news on social media last week. 

Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders perform during the Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL International Series Match at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 1, 2015 in London. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

"She was loved and adored by her teammates, fans, and strangers who were never strangers for long," the post on Instagram read. "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." 

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According to an obituary posted online, Anderson "passed away unexpectedly" on March 20. She died shortly after the birth of her daughter Charlotte Willow, who, according to the post, "was born at rest."  

Anderson’s friend, Shanna Adamic, told FOX 4 Kansas City that she was 21 weeks pregnant when she was told by doctors that they could not find a heartbeat. Anderson’s husband, Clayton Anderson, also told the outlet that after giving birth to their daughter, his wife spiked a fever. She eventually suffered organ failure because of sepsis and passed away days later. 

Cheerleaders during the NFL game between Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 1, 2015 in London. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

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Anderson cheered in over 100 Chiefs games from 2006-2011 and from 2013-2016, according to the team. In addition to being a team captain and making appearances at the Pro Bowl and international games, Anderson "visited our troops around the world, including in Iraq, Kuwait, and throughout the United States."

"A profound loss for our team, organization, and anyone who ever crossed her path," Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, wrote in a comment on the Chiefs Cheer post. 

"We love & miss you Krissy. Hug Lamar & Norma for us."

Tavia Hunt, wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, smiles on the sidelines prior to the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

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According to her obituary, Anderson was born in Texas on April 27, 1983. She worked as a software engineer after graduating from the University of Richmond. She was described as being dedicated to philanthropy, giving back to the community and "fiercely advocated for Black women in STEM and women’s health."

She is survived by her husband, Clayton, her two parents and brother. According to the obituary, she was "preceded in death by her infant son, James Charles, and infant daughter, Charlotte Willow." 

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