Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, died unexpectedly from sepsis on March 20, just days after having a stillbirth. Her daughter Charlotte Willow passed away at 21 weeks and her son, James Charles also passed in infancy in 2022. Anderson was 40 years old.

Her husband Clayton Anderson told local outlet Fox 4 that the day after their daughter was “born to rest,” his wife spiked a fever. According to a GoFundMe set up in her honor, Anderson underwent three surgeries and was placed on life support but she ultimately passed.

Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers a life-threatening chain reaction in the body. Symptoms could include fever, shortness of breath, pain, sweatiness, and confusion. Without treatment, severe cases can cause organ failure, tissue damage, and even death. African American women continue to lead in the highest maternal mortality rate, nearly three times more than white and non-Hispanic women.

“It’s, you know we say, the best country in the world, right? Not if you’re a Black pregnant woman, it’s not and that needs to change,” her husband told Fox 4.

Anderson is remembered as a champion of women’s health and Black women in STEM. According to her obituary, she was a graduate of the University of Richmond and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was also a foodie who loved yoga, dancing, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.