Ayden Burt dies in fatal San Antonio shooting
Fatal San Antonio shooting death of Ayden Burt – Obituary
Before Ayden Burt was tragically struck by a stray bullet in downtown San Antonio early Tuesday, she was a cherished teacher and coach eagerly preparing for the upcoming school year at a new school.
Social media profiles reflect the vibrant and hopeful life Burt led. Her Facebook banner read: “Until further notice, celebrate everything.”
At 28, Burt hailed from Jasper, an East Texas town of approximately 7,400 people, situated about 40 miles from the Texas-Louisiana border. She was the third generation of her family to teach and coach in Jasper ISD.
Burt had been eagerly anticipating her new role at Jasper High School. In a recent Facebook post, she shared her excitement about returning to the high school to teach English IV and English II, after four rewarding years at Jasper Junior High.
In her post from June 20, Burt expressed gratitude to her colleagues and supporters. “I can’t thank the JJHS family enough for shaping me into the educator I am today, for your support, and for the endless love. Working alongside former teachers who became mentors and lifelong friends has been an incredible journey,” she wrote.
Burt was in San Antonio for the Texas High School Coaches Association Coaching School and Conference, which had brought her to the city, according to reports.
She served as the cheer sponsor and coach at Jasper High School, as noted by the school district.
In addition to her role as a teacher, Burt was also a graduate student at the University of Texas at Tyler, where she was studying curriculum and instruction. She was committed to improving her skills to better support her students.
Burt was at Smoke Skybar with a group attending the conference when she was struck by a gunshot. She was seated on the rooftop patio facing Interstate 37 when the bullet hit her right rear shoulder. She later died at a local hospital.
The news of her death quickly spread on social media, with many expressing their shock and sorrow over the senseless loss of such a young life.
“Today was one of the saddest days for our Jasper community,” wrote Jermany Lewis, a teacher at Jasper ISD, on Facebook. “Ayden was a true gift to us all and to the community she loved. Her passion for teaching and coaching was evident,” Lewis added, recalling their shared high school experiences in Jasper.
Burt was not only a talented educator but also an artist who enjoyed painting, crafts, and outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and baking, according to her family.
Since joining Jasper ISD in 2019, Burt had been an active member of the school community. She recently updated her Facebook page with a link to her classroom wish list, expressing her gratitude for the support she received.
Her list included both practical supplies and fun items such as stickers, games, and candy. As a memento of her final year at Jasper Junior High, Burt had her students sign a plastic cup with their favorite colors, leaving behind signatures, doodles, and messages for her to cherish.
The small community of Jasper mourns Burt’s passing, with many expressing condolences and asking for prayers for her family and friends.
Kendrick Crumedy, head football coach and athletic director at Jasper ISD, thanked those who reached out with sympathy. “Ayden had a beautiful spirit and loved impacting young people daily,” he said on X. “Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.”
In the wake of her death, a memorial fundraiser has been established by the Jasper ISD athletic department to assist with funeral costs and honor Burt’s memory. By Thursday morning, over $9,700 had been raised.
Services for Burt are scheduled for Friday in Jasper.
Chris Ortiz, a teacher and coach from Conroe ISD, who was also at the conference, shared his condolences. “Our thoughts are with her family and coaching staff. This has been a life-altering event for everyone involved,” he said on Facebook. “Those of us who returned home with a much more significant lesson—cherish your loved ones, as life is fleeting.”
Fatal San Antonio shooting death of Ayden Burt – Obituary Before Ayden Burt was tragically struck by a stray bullet in downtown San Antonio early Tuesday, she was a cherished teacher and coach eagerly preparing for the upcoming school year at a new school. Social media profiles reflect the vibrant and hopeful life Burt led.…
Fatal San Antonio shooting death of Ayden Burt – Obituary Before Ayden Burt was tragically struck by a stray bullet in downtown San Antonio early Tuesday, she was a cherished teacher and coach eagerly preparing for the upcoming school year at a new school. Social media profiles reflect the vibrant and hopeful life Burt led.…