A young Texas high school English teacher and cheer coach was “randomly” shot and killed at an outdoor bar in San Antonio in a shocking tragedy Tuesday.
The beloved Jasper High educator Ayden Burt, 28, was at a local rooftop bar while in town for the Texas High School Coaches Association Conference when she was struck by a bullet just after midnight, San Antonio police said.
Investigators said Burt was “randomly” shot but don’t yet know who fired at her.
“Our Homicide Detectives are working to bring justice to Ayden and her family; however, details are limited,” the police department said in a statement. “SAPD is asking for the public’s help for any information regarding this tragic incident.”
A bullet struck Burt in the upper back while she was sitting on the rooftop patio of Smoke Skybar on East Crockett Street, police told 12 News Now.
Her back was towards the nearby highway, I-37, and police believe the shot was fired from the Interstate, the local news station reported.
Burt was with other coaches from across the state at the bar when the shooting occurred.
“She was sitting right next to me laughing and talking and the next [minute] bleeding in my lap,” Humble High School football coach Robert Murphy said on X. “My coaches did everything they could performing CPR etc to save her life. She was excited about the upcoming year. Traumatizing.”
Burt was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition following the shooting but she couldn’t be saved.
No other injuries were reported.
Burt taught English at both Jasper Junior High and Jasper High School since 2019. She also coached volleyball and cheerleading teams.
Jasper ISD Superintendent John Seybold announced her death in a statement to school community members.
“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. “We ask for prayers of comfort for her family, as well as her extended family, the students and staff of Jasper ISD.”
He told 12 News Now that he was in shock by the death of the young teacher.
“Ayden was so young. She was a great person, very kindhearted,” Seybold told the station. “Just starting her teaching career, she had already touched so many lives.”
Burt came from a line of Jasper educators. Her father and grandfather both served as principals of Jasper Junior High and she was a graduate of the high school.
“She was irreplaceable. A Jasper bulldog through and through,” Seybold said.
The school district offered grief counseling for students, staff and community members Tuesday.
