Update:  Funeral Arrangements Made For Katie Burkett

By Linda White
Reporter
Published: July 21, 2008

An annual beach trip ends in tragedy for one Gardendale family.  Family and friends are mourning the loss of 17 year old Katie Burkett.
Burkett, Gardendale High School’s Senior Class President, was a passenger in a vehicle of teens heading for the beach.  Four other teens were injured, but not seriously.

The news spread quickly about the accident that killed Katie and injured four other teens either current or graduated Gardendale High School students.  Two were taken to Children’s, one to UAB and the other stayed at a Shelby Baptist Hospital.  The majority are in good and fair condition and are looking to be released soon.  Now the focus is helping them and their families get through this tough time. 

A onetime dance team member, cheerleader and Gardendale High School’s senior class president, 17 year old Katie Burkett will be missed.

Dr. Anna Vacca/Gardendale High School Principal said, “There’s a sense of unity, family ownership.  So I think anytime you lose a student and one that was this popular, it’s going to be felt throughout the community.”

Burkett was killed Sunday morning, witnesses say, dying in her father’s arms, after a one-vehicle accident along I-65 in Calera.  Katie, her cousin Josh Headley, and three others, Carli Patrick, Mollie Wilson and Katie Mitchell, were following several groups of adults to a beach destination - an annual family event.

Dr Vacca said, “Katie was a cousin to one of the children, one of the boys injured.  So it’s a lot of family in this and, a sense of family that they’ve grown up together.”

Now they’re mourning together.  School Counselors and local Clergy gathered at the area hospitals with students to share their grief and help them cope with a loss so deep.

Dr Vacca said, “Very outstanding, vivacious, bright. She was a bright girl, had a lot to offer others.  She’ll be missed.  She will very much be missed.”

Missed but not forgotten, Burkett’s classmates are already looking for ways to honor their dear friend.  It will likely happen after school reopens mid-August.

The visitation for Katie Burkett will be held at six Tuesday night at Gardendale First Baptist Church.  Funeral Services are at 11 Wednesday morning, also at Gardendale First Baptist.