Krissy Taylor was a rising star in the modeling industry, following the footsteps of her older sister, supermodel Niki Taylor. She had graced the covers of magazines like Seventeen, Elle, and Vogue, and walked the runways for designers like Ralph Lauren and Fendi. She was also a spokesperson for cosmetics brands like CoverGirl and L’Oréal. But her promising career and life were cut short when she died suddenly at the age of 17 from a rare heart condition. Her death shocked the fashion world and raised awareness about the dangers of undiagnosed cardiac diseases.
The Tragic Night
On July 2, 1995, Niki Taylor found Krissy lying unconscious on the floor of their family’s home in Florida. She had gone to bed early after complaining of feeling tired and having a headache. Niki tried to wake her up, but she was unresponsive. She called 911 and performed CPR on her sister until the paramedics arrived. But it was too late. Krissy was rushed to Memorial Hospital West and pronounced dead at 5:39 a.m. according to Fox News.
The cause of death was initially reported as an acute asthma attack complicated by sudden cardiac arrhythmia. Krissy had suffered from allergies that affected her breathing, and she used an over-the-counter inhaler to relieve her symptoms. However, she had no history of asthma or heart problems, and the inhaler was not found to have contributed to her death.
The Mystery Behind Her Death
The Taylor family was not satisfied with the medical examiner’s diagnosis. They hired independent experts to examine Krissy’s heart tissue samples and conduct genetic tests. They discovered that Krissy had a rare genetic disorder called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), which causes the heart muscle to deteriorate and be replaced by scar tissue. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death.
ARVD is a difficult condition to diagnose, as it often does not show any symptoms until it is too late. Some of the signs include palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, and chest pain. However, these can also be mistaken for anxiety, stress, or other common ailments. According to the American Heart Association, ARVD affects about one in 5,000 people, mostly young adults and athletes.
The Legacy She Left Behind
Krissy Taylor’s death was a devastating loss for her family, friends, fans, and colleagues. She was remembered as a beautiful, sweet, and talented person who had a bright future ahead of her. Her sister Niki said that she was her best friend and her gravity, and that she thinks about her all the time.
Krissy’s death also raised awareness about the importance of heart health and screening for cardiac diseases. Her mother Barbara became involved with the Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education (CARE) Foundation, which aims to educate people about ARVD and other heart conditions that can cause sudden death in young people. She also shared Krissy’s story on various platforms to inspire others to take care of their hearts.
Krissy Taylor’s death was a tragedy that could have been prevented if she had been diagnosed earlier and treated properly. Her story serves as a reminder that anyone can be affected by heart disease, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. It also shows that we should cherish our loved ones and live every day to the fullest.
