AYDEN ROSE BURT/FACEBOOK
Tragedy struck at a rooftop bar in San Antonio, Texas, as 28-year-old volleyball coach Ayden Burt lost her life to a stray bullet during a visit to the Texas High School Coaches Association Conference on July 23, 2024.
San Antonio Police Department confirmed the devastating incident, stating, “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 shooting occurred just after midnight at Smoke Skybar on E Crockett St., where Ayden was struck and killed by a random bullet.
“Our Homicide Detectives are working to bring justice to Ayden and her family; however, details are limited,” the police statement continued. Local media outlets reported that Ayden was seated on the rooftop patio of Smoke Skybar with her back turned towards Interstate 37 when she was hit by the fatal bullet. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
Police Chief Bill McManus expressed the preliminary belief that the shot may have come from the nearby highway, describing it as a random act of gunfire. “She was struck by a single bullet in the back while she was seated outside on the patio,” McManus stated to News 4 San Antonio. “This appears that it may have come from the highway. Someone randomly shooting as they drove by.”
As investigations continue, authorities have not identified a suspect vehicle related to the shooting. The incident has deeply affected Ayden’s colleagues and friends, including Humble High School football coach Robert Murphy, who witnessed the tragic event firsthand.
“She was sitting right next to me laughing and talking and the next bleeding in my lap,” Murphy recounted, describing the harrowing scene. “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 mourned the loss of Ayden Burt in a heartfelt message to the school community, emphasizing her contributions as an educator and coach. “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of one of our staff members, Ayden Burt,” Seybold shared on Facebook. “We ask for prayers of comfort for her family, as well as her extended family, the students, and staff of Jasper ISD”, according to ABC News.
Ayden has been a dedicated teacher at Jasper ISD since 2019, teaching English at both Jasper High School and Jasper Jr. High, in addition to her role as a Cheer Sponsor and Coach. Seybold announced counseling services available to support students, staff, and community members affected by the tragedy.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the SAPD Homicide Unit, as the investigation into Ayden Burt’s untimely death continues.
