High school volleyball coach dies in freak accident at rooftop bar

A much-loved high school volleyball and track coach has died after a freak accident at a rooftop bar.

Ayden Rose Burt, 28, was shot and killed shortly after midnight on Tuesday (July 23).

She had been enjoying a night out at the Smoke Skybar in San Antonio when she was hit in the back by the 'random' bullet.

Burt was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away from the injuries she sustained.

Burt was a coach at Jasper Independent School District, but had been in the area while attending the Texas High School Coaches Association coaching school.

According to police, it is believed she had been sitting on the patio area of the rooftop with her back facing the highway, when the stray bullet fired.

Authorities have said that they are currently not sure where the bullet came from and why it was fired, but are currently looking for potential suspects.

Ayden Burt had been enjoying a night out at the Smoke Skybar (Facebook/Jasper ISD)

In a statement, Jasper ISD Superintendent John Seybold said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of one of our staff members, Ayden Burt.

"We ask for prayers of comfort for her family, and her extended family, the students and staff of Jasper ISD.

"Counselors will be available from 5:00-7:00 this evening, July 23, at the Jasper Junior High Gymnasium for our students, staff, and community members to help process this loss.

"Ongoing support will be available to students and staff.

"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.

"We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family and staff at this time."

Meanwhile, Smoke Skybar owner, Adrian Martinez, also wrote on Facebook: “I’m deeply saddened that an individual attending our venue for an event fell victim to a random and senseless act of violence words cannot explain the sorrow I feel for this loss."

The San Antonio Police Department has since appealed to the public for help.

Burt had been visiting the Smoke Skybar when the bullet hit her (News 4 San Antonio)

In a statement on Facebook, they wrote: "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.

"Just after midnight, while at a local rooftop bar on the 500 block of E Crockett St. Ayden was randomly shot and killed.

"Our Homicide Detectives are working to bring justice to Ayden and her family; however, details are limited.

"SAPD is asking for the public's help for any information regarding this tragic incident."

The investigation is currently ongoing.

UNILAD has reached out to San Antonio Police Department for further comment.