‘She had already touched so many lives’ | Jasper ISD cheer coach killed after being shot in the back by stray bullet, district says

SAN ANTONIO — A woman who died after being shot in the back while sitting outside at a downtown patio bar early Tuesday morning has been identified as a Jasper ISD cheer and volleyball coach, the district said in a statement.

San Antonio Police responded to the 500 block of East Crockett around 12:15 a.m. for reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found 28-year-old Ayden Burt had been shot in her upper back while sitting outside on the patio of Smoke Skybar.

Officers determined that Burt was seated on the upper level of the patio bar with her back to the highway when a gun shot was heard from the vicinity of I-37, which ended up hitting her. 

Burt was taken to BAMC in critical condition, but sadly died from her injuries.

SAPD Chief of Police William McManus said Burt was in town for a conference when she was struck by a bullet that officials believe came from the highway. She was the only one injured.

Police have no suspect and don’t know why Burt was shot. 

On Tuesday, one coach traveling from Houston recalled the terrifying moments. She said she heard a single gunshot but everyone was unsure what was happening at first.

“About like, I don’t know a few minutes later, we see her being carried out by security and then a bunch of cops and everybody arrived,” Ashleigh Griffin said. 

Griffin said a crowd of people rushed to the front of the club. She said she stayed back to give first responders space.

“I was just praying she was going to be OK,” Griffin said. 

Another coach from Humble shared on Facebook, he was sitting next to Burt when she was struck. He said prior to the shooting they were talking about the great things she wanted to accomplish this school year. 

He added, “in a matter of seconds a beautiful soul was taken way too son.”

Burt had been with Jasper ISD for five years according to Superintendent John Seybold.

“She was so young, just starting her teaching career,” Seybold said. “She had already touched so many lives.”

San Antonio Police are urging anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.

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