A volleyball coach has died after getting hit by a stray bullet in Texas.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, 28-year-old Ayden Burt was in town for the Texas High School Coaches Association Conference when she was shot and killed at a local rooftop bar on Tuesday, July 23.
“On July 23rd, 2024, Ayden Burt, a 28-year-old high school coach out of Jasper ISD was in town for the Texas High School Coaches Association Conference,” the police shared in a statement.
“Just after midnight, while at a local rooftop bar on the 500 block of E Crockett St. Ayden was randomly shot and killed,” they added. “Our Homicide Detectives are working to bring justice to Ayden and her family; however, details are limited.”
According to local media outlets 6KDFM, Fox San Antonio and News 4 San Antonio, Burt was at a rooftop bar called Smoke Skybar and was sitting on the top patio with her back facing Interstate 37 when she was hit by the bullet.
She was then taken to hospital, but later died from her injuries.
“She was struck by a single bullet in the back while she was seated outside on the patio,” Police Chief Bill McManus said, per News 4 San Antonio. “This appears that it may have come from the highway. Someone randomly shooting as they drove by.”
“We don’t have a known suspect vehicle at the moment,” McManus added.
Burt, who was a high school coach from Jasper Independent School District, had reportedly been sitting at the bar with other coaches from across the state when the incident happened, according to ABC News.
-“She was sitting right next to me laughing and talking and the next bleeding in my lap,” Humble High School football coach Robert Murphy wrote on X, per the outlet. “My coaches did everything they could performing CPR etc to save her life. She was excited about the upcoming year. Traumatizing.”
Jasper Independent School District Superintendent John Seybold paid tribute to the late staff member on Tuesday.
“Dear Bulldog Family, It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of one of our staff members, Ayden Burt,” Seybold wrote on Facebook. “We ask for prayers of comfort for her family, as well as her extended family, the students and staff of Jasper ISD.”
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He went on to say that counselors would be available for students, staff and community members later that day in the Jasper Junior High gymnasium, as well as ongoing support for all staff and students.
“Ayden has been teaching in Jasper ISD since 2019, teaching English at both Jasper High School and Jasper Jr. High, also serving as a Cheer Sponsor and Coach,” the statement added. “We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family and staff at this time. God Bless, John Seybold.”
Police have advised that anyone with information should contact the SAPD Homicide Unit at 210-207-7635.
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