Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis is the latest person to release a statement to the media through the university to the press concerning the tragic plane crash that took the lives of women’s basketball head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna. For a campus that just endured a similar tragedy approximately 10 years ago, it’s devastating on a number of levels.
Hargis’ statement reads, "The Oklahoma State family is devastated by this tragedy. 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."
Details of the plane crash have not been made available at this time, but it’s known that the two were on a recruiting trip for the Cowgirls. Two others also unfortunately perished in the plane crash, including the pilot. The other person’s name has not yet been released.