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Oklahoma State Basketball Coaches Obituary
The university said the pair died in the crash Thursday night near Perryville, about 45 miles west of Little Rock. The Winona Wildlife Management Area is in steep terrain in the eastern Ouachita Mountains. A cause of the crash was not announced.
In January 2001, 10 men affiliated with the university's men's basketball team died in a Colorado plane crash.
OSU said the plane's pilot and another passenger also died in Thursday's crash. Their names were not released and OSU said they were not associated with the university.
"There were no survivors," the university statement said.
The Perry County Sheriff's Department said the crash occurred just before 7 p.m. about 4 miles south of Perryville. FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said an immediate search revealed that at least two were dead. The school's statement Friday put the death toll at four.
Lunsford said the plane was a single-engine Piper PA-28.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending investigators, and that it could take nine months to determine the cause of the crash.
OSU hired Budke from Louisiana Tech seven years ago and the coach compiled a 112-83 record at the school. This year's team was 1-0 after defeating Rice on Sunday.
Oklahoma State canceled its women's college basketball home games set for Saturday and Sunday. The school's second-ranked college football team plays Friday night at Iowa State.
University president Burns Hargis credited Budke with elevating the team in a tough program. Serna, he said, set a good example for the players.
"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," Hargis said. "Miranda was an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies."
On Jan. 27, 2001, one of three planes carrying players and others connected to the OSU men's basketball team crashed in a field 40 miles east of Denver as the Cowboys returned from a game at Colorado. The crash occurred about 35 minutes after the plane took off in light snow.
An NTSB report cited a power loss aboard the plane and said the pilot suffered disorientation while flying the plane manually with still-available instruments.
Thursday night, the weather near the crash site was clear with temperatures in the upper 30s to mid-40s.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
66 Entries
Kristal L. Rosebrook Ryan
March 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Warm Christian Love
November 21, 2011
Many thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories and the love of God bring you comfort now and in days to come.
Victoria VZj
November 20, 2011
silent prayers
condolences to
Oklahoma State
BasketBall Coaches
an thier Entire Family
'What a sad loss'
rip Kurt
How you can show support
Terry Porter
November 20, 2011
I am originally from Oklahoma and have always been a Sooner but hold the Cowboys in high regard and respect. At this time though I am neither Sooner nor Cowboy, I am an Oklahoman who hurts with everyone in Stillwater and beyond. Know that prayers for strong-heart and perseverance are sent from the northern plains; particularly the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota...
Shawn (Craig) Snider
November 20, 2011
Shelley I wish I took take the sadness and the pain away. I know you have an amazing family who will always be there for you and your children. May God Bless you and ease you pain everyday. Praying for you and your family.
Brad Womack
November 20, 2011
Shelley and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kurt was so much more than a coach of basketball. Thank you for the life lessons!
Eddie Wilson
November 20, 2011
It is truly hurtful to here such sad news, in view of the two lives that were lost, may God comfort all of you during this time of deep sorrow
Barb Daniels-Taylor
November 19, 2011
Shelley and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
LORI
November 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Budke and Serna families as well as the OSU family. May God be with each of you in your time of sorrow.
Anthony Mitchell
November 19, 2011
Both Coach Budke and Coach Serna will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to the families of these two wonderful individuals. Strengthen each other until Jehovah awakens them in the new world!
Wanda Henry
November 19, 2011
My condolences are for family and friends of the Oklahoma State Basketball Coaches. Through your prayers Jehovah will give you all the peace and comfort you all need at this bereaved time.
November 19, 2011
Condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Milton Miller
November 19, 2011
To the Oklahoma Family and The Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna Family. We hate to here the lost of your love ones. Our heart goes out to the famly and also the school. We The peoples of Alabama want you to know that you guys are in ours prayer and God heal all wound. I cannot express how this make us feel. May God Bless you. My the grace of God the Oklahoma family willbe alright.Love You Guys.From the stae of Alabama, Jerome and Jessic Miller. Go Cowboys
Yvon Diane
November 19, 2011
May the Shalom Peace of God Comfort all these family members, I pray the Holy Spirit Comforts them as only He can. Jesus gives Peace, Peace of Mind & calms the souls of men in tragic accidents. God is Love and He will sustain you with His Promises & Strength.
November 19, 2011
My deepest condolences during this time of tragedy and sadness for the family and friends. May the God of all comfort bring comfort to you in this time of loss.
Jane Dowling
November 19, 2011
God bless you all.
Lisa Parson
November 19, 2011
At the end of each life is a legacy of love.. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friend James 4:8 Draw close to God and he will draw close to you
A Jayhawk Friend
November 19, 2011
My heart aches for the Oklahoma State Family. These fine people will be greatly missed. Please know that my prayers and those of the entire nation are with you all now.
Your friends in
November 19, 2011
Rest in Peace.
Ethan
November 19, 2011
My deepest condolences to everyone's families and friends involved in this horrible tragedy.
Stewart
November 19, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Virginia Hoge Williams
November 19, 2011
It is a very sad time for your school, family and friends. I am very sorry . Virginia Williams, Belmont, NC
Beth
November 19, 2011
My condolences to the Oklahoma State University faculty, staff and administration and family members. May the peace of God that excels all thought be with you.
Daniels Family
November 19, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to the families. We are so very sorry for you suddens losses. May the God of all comfort help to ease the pain of your grief.
November 19, 2011
Praying for you, Cecilia Lyda, Sacramento, Ca
November 19, 2011
To Oklahoma Basketball Coaches,
Iam very sorry about your loss. The Bible tells us at Isaiah 29:8,9 that death will be swallowed up and there will be no more tears.
Condolences, H. Grant, South Carolina
Lori Farrar
November 19, 2011
My heart felt sorrow is with these people at this their time of pain and memories. I know that the memory of these people is going to be forever. God bless the families and the OSU stay strong if not for the memories, then for the spirit of these coaches.
LOYAL BASKETBALL FAN
November 19, 2011
THE FAMILIES. STUDENTS AND ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH OKLAHOMA STATE---THIS TRAGEDY HURTS US TOO. MY PRAYERS FOR EVERYONE.
Connie Force
November 18, 2011
To the Oklahoma State Basketball Coaches I am sorry to here the tradagete that you lost one of the most greast coaches in the world, let God guide you throught your loss. He will be dearly missed and just remember he will always be your thought and hearts. May God bless you all. Sencerly yours Connie Force
The Elkins Family
November 18, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
James Millsaps
November 18, 2011
My condolences to the family, the student body, staff and administration at Oklahoma State University. May God send his Peace to all.
Joe Davis
November 18, 2011
Jesus said that He would go to prepare a place for us and would return for us. We will be reunited soon. As a long-time Louisiana Lady Techster fan, Kurt was respected, admired and loved. We share your loss and believe / trust the Holy Spirit to comfort you and everyone who will miss Kurt. We are blessed by knowing him as a coach, Christian man, friend and neighbor.
Gena Rascoll
November 18, 2011
Sorry for this loss ,May God be with the family and friends at this .God Bless all of you !!!!!!!!!!
Jim Grandey
November 18, 2011
As the father of Bluffton University's baseball coach whom we almost lost in a tragic accident in Atlanta in 2007, my heart goes out to all of the students at OSU. God be with you.
FF
November 18, 2011
I am so sorry for the untimely loss of your love ones and role role models. May this promise comfort you."He is healing the broken hearted ones and is binding up their painful spots." Psalm 147:3
November 18, 2011
Sadness on earth.....but bountiful thanksgiving in heaven as these angels enter
cindy
November 18, 2011
God be with both of there families. Comfort and strength to all of them.
Toni Walker
November 18, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy to the families..such a terrible tragedy! My thoughts and prayers are with you
Cori
November 18, 2011
To the current Pokes generation I'm praying for their families and I pray for you. One of my friends said it well...Pistol Pete cries tonight.
doug
November 18, 2011
Such a tragedy for the families and the university. Let's hope the football team wins Bedlam in their honor.
Sheldon Lewis
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Serna and Budke families and the entire OSU family today. The world has lost two very special people today. I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of meeting both Coach Budke and Coach Serna when OSU played in the NCAA Tourney here in East Lansing, MI. As the local host for the OSU team, Coach Budke allowed me complete access to the team and made me feel like part of the Cowgirl family. And during that tourney run, I had a chance to spend some one-on-one time with Coach Serna. The one thing that I will always remember about her was her strong Faith in GOD. Despite the busy schedule of being a coach, she always made time to attend church and pray for those who needed it.
I can truly say that my life is better having known Kurt and Miranda. May GOD give Peace to the families of each of them during this most difficult time.
M. Jones
November 18, 2011
What a sad and tragic accident. I am truly sorry for your loss. May the Father of tender mercies help you all to cope and endure these difficult days.
Corine
November 18, 2011
My prayers goes out to the OSU families and lost loved ones. May God bless you all.
November 18, 2011
Peace be with you all.
Angela
November 18, 2011
May you find comfort and hope in God's wonderful promise the awaken your loved ones to a paradise earth.
Kelly Anderson
November 18, 2011
My prayers go out to the familys and players
Cassandra Turner
November 18, 2011
University of Kansas Alumni...I am truly sorry for this loss, as part of the collegiate community it so painful to hear of such a tragic loss. My prayers are with their families and the entire OSU community. They won't be forgotten...
Sheila Woods
November 18, 2011
Our hearts and prayers are with the entire OSU family.
Julie Nunley
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and players.
Sally Greer
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the OSU and TVCC families as well as Coach's family and friends
Nikki Davis
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, the team and the school. May you find comfort and peace
Anna Slaughter
November 18, 2011
Such a tragic loss. May God be with the families as well as faculty, staff, and students.
Alan Nuckolls
November 18, 2011
Our prayers are with you. May the Lord give you comfort and peace.
Jan Maksymowski
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers and with you ......
Clyde `Valdetero
November 18, 2011
our thoughts and prayers are with the oklahoma state family as well as the families of the ones that were
Londie Lemons
November 18, 2011
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Budke and Serna families. I went to school and worked with these two individuals and they were wonderful people. They will be truly missed. May God grant you comfort, healing and serenity during your time of loss.
Marshall & Pat Gunder
November 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kurt's and Miranda's families and many friends, as well their family at OSU. The lives they touched all over the United States will never be forgotten.May God comfort and bring a healing peace to all those who knew and loved Kurt and Miranda. Prayers and thoughts as well to the other persons lost last eve. and their families and friends.
P. Hall
November 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and OSU.
jan farmer
November 18, 2011
my thoughts and prayers are with the families of friends of those lost.may God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
JOSEPH & LEZERIA MARSH
November 18, 2011
MAY GOD GRANT YOU THE HEALING COMFORT THAT ONLY HE CAN PROVIDE.WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
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