Kansas City, Missouri – A beloved Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader tragically lost her life after giving birth to her daughter, who was stillborn. Krystal Lakeshia Anderson, 40, passed away shortly after delivering her daughter, Charlotte Willow. Anderson’s husband, Clayton William Anderson, and her parents survive her, as well as other family members.
According to an obituary, Anderson had been diagnosed with sepsis during her pregnancy and sought hospitalization during her 21st week of pregnancy. Despite undergoing three surgeries, the source of the infection remained elusive, leading to organ failure and Anderson being placed on life support. Sadly, she passed away on March 20.
Aside from her cheerleading career with the Chiefs from 2006-2011 and 2013-2016, Anderson also worked as a software engineer at Oracle Health. She was known for making substantial contributions to improving healthcare, with a patent awarded for developing software that assesses the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Anderson was a vocal advocate for Black women in STEM and women’s health, embodying a passion for philanthropy and exuding joy and laughter in all that she did.
Maternal sepsis, a condition where the body does not respond properly to an infection leading to organ dysfunction, is a serious concern for pregnant individuals. Studies show that maternal mortality rates, especially among Black women, have significantly increased over the past two decades in the United States.
Dr. Henning Tiemeier from Harvard’s Maternal Health Task Force emphasized the urgent need to address the disparities in maternal mortality rates, especially among Black women. He highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable population, ranging from poverty and discrimination to inadequate healthcare which contribute to the alarming statistics.
The tragic loss of individuals like Krystal Lakeshia Anderson and Olympic champion sprinter Tori Bowie, who also died from childbirth complications, underscores the critical need for improved maternal healthcare and support systems. As the data continues to show concerning trends in maternal mortality rates, it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals, especially marginalized communities.