Burlington Students Re-6J Community Mourns After Lunchtime Car Crash Tragedy
BURLINGTON, CO — The Burlington School District RE‑6J is grappling with profound sorrow following a tragic car accident that occurred over lunch today, involving multiple students and leaving the community in shock. The accident claimed the life of one student, while two others were left in critical condition and transported by air to nearby hospitals for urgent care.
According to a statement released by Superintendent Shane Walkinshaw and the district, the crash took place just after noon on the outskirts of the district, as students were leaving campus for a brief lunch break. Exact victim names have been withheld pending notification of families, but the district confirmed that the students involved attend Burlington High School and were riding in a personal vehicle that collided with another car.
School officials provided limited details but confirmed that the student who passed away was in the passenger seat and that the two others were severely injured — one driver and one additional passenger. Both injured students were airlifted to regional trauma centers for treatment. The nature of their injuries has not been disclosed, but the district describes them as “serious” and “life-altering.” The vehicle that crashed into them was reported to have sustained extensive damage.
Emergency responders from the Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol arrived within minutes of the crash. They secured the scene, closed adjacent roadways, and began a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. Investigators are reviewing whether speed, mechanical issues, visibility, or other contributing factors played a role. Alcohol or drugs have not yet been publicly cited as factors in the preliminary report. The district has asked for the public’s patience as investigators complete their work and as families process their grief.
Within hours of the accident, the high school campus transitioned into crisis support mode. Counselors were made available for students and staff, and an announcement was sent to parents advising of the tragedy and urging families to reach out if their children need additional emotional or mental-health support. The school gym was opened as a gathering site for students needing space to process the event, and local churches and community groups have offered prayer services and meals for affected families.
In a heartfelt message, Chairman of the Board Darrenn Bennett expressed the district’s deep sorrow: “Our hearts break for the families of the students involved in today’s crash. No parent should face the grief of losing a child at this age. We promise to support our students, our staff, and our community through this dark time.” The district’s colors of red and black, typically seen cheering on the “Cougars” athletics teams, were lowered to half-mast at the high school.
Friends and classmates of the student who passed away describe them as kind, engaged, and eager to help others — a presence whose absence will be keenly felt in the halls of the school. The injured students, similarly, were well known for their involvement in extracurricular activities and their vibrant connections across campus. Alumni and local residents also joined in offering condolences, laying flowers and notes of support near the school entrance and on the athletic field.
Beyond the immediate shock and grief, the incident is prompting the community to consider road-safety issues for young drivers, particularly around lunch hours when students may be in a hurry. Local law-enforcement officials have indicated they will review the roadway, signage, and traffic flows near campus to identify any hazards that might be mitigated for future safety.
In the coming days, the district plans to host a memorial service for the student who passed, with details to be shared publicly once confirmed by the family. An online fund is being established to assist the injured students and their families with medical expenses, counseling, and other needs. Community leaders have called for unity and kindness — asking that students and staff be gentle with one another, offer support, and prioritize emotional well-being during this difficult time.
As Burlington recoils from the tragic loss and works to support its young people and their families, the community is coming together in mourning, remembrance, and resolve. Though today’s events are devastating, school officials emphasise that the commitment to caring for students and honoring the life lost will be at the heart of the district’s response for weeks and months to come.
