Tragedy has struck the Oklahoma State University women’s basketball program. A plane crash Thursday night resulted in the deaths of head coach Kurt Butke, 50, and assistant coach Miranda Serna.
The pair, on a recruiting trip, died near Perryville, Arkansas, located 45 miles west of Little Rock. The pilot and another passenger also lost their lives as a result of the air accident. Neither was associated with the university.
The crash of the single-engine Piper PA-28 occurred just before 7 p.m. The NTSB has sent investigators to the accident scene and expect to release a full report in nine months regarding the cause of the mishap.
OSU President Burns Hargis issued a statement: “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna and the other victims.”
“Kurt was an exemplary leader and a man of character who had a profound impact on his student-athletes. He was an outstanding coach and a wonderful person. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Shelley, and their children, Sara, Alex and Brett.”
“Miranda was an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies.” Her university profile described her as a “tireless worker on the court and as a recruiter.” Prior to joining the Cowgirls, she worked with Butke at Louisiana Tech and was brought along as part of his organization when he joined OSU.
Budke was in his seventh season with the Cowgirls, having transformed a program that had a winless season in 2005-2006. His 2009-2010 season included 24 wins, including a school-record six victories against Top 25 teams. The women’s team achieved a top-10 national ranking for the first time ever and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Check out video of Butke that was shot just four days ago:
Photos: OSU