On April 6, 2025, the Burkburnett Independent School District delivered the heartbreaking news that Memphis Parkey, a 17-year-old student-athlete at Burkburnett High School, had passed away the night before, on Saturday, April 5.
The district’s statement was raw and heartfelt:
While the cause of his death hasn’t been shared, the shockwave it sent through Burkburnett, Texas, is impossible to miss.
Memphis was a junior, part of the Class of 2026, and a standout in basketball, baseball, and football. Sports were his heartbeat, but he didn’t stop there.
As a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member, he showed his love for hands-on learning and community.
Born to Larissa Britt-Parkey, an Integrated ELAR/Dyslexia teacher, and raised with his sisters, Ashton and Antoina Mutchler, Memphis grew up rooted in Burkburnett.
He was hunting, fishing, or soaking up time with his family when he wasn’t scoring points or tackling projects.
The Loss Deeply Affected The Entire Parkey Family, The Bulldog Family, And The Burkburnett Community
Burkburnett ISD called for support, asking everyone to lift Memphis’ family and friends in thought and prayer while respecting their need for space.
They didn’t stop at words. Starting Monday, April 7, BHS opened its doors with counseling resources for students and staff. The message was clear: No one should face this alone.
Justin Miller, Memphis’ coach at KaizenHoopz, couldn’t hold back his pride. He shared a memory that captured who Memphis was:
“Our boy Memphis Parkey works hard in the classroom taking multiple AP courses, while being in multiple sports. This kid has never missed a 6 AM breakfast Club workout and always gives his all…but mainly he is a OUTSTANDING YOUNG MAN who is super respectful to everyone.”
Via Facebook
He also praised Larissa for raising an incredible son. That was Memphis: dedicated, respectful, and always all-in.
The Burkburnett community quickly came together.
Whitney Hefton, a BHS student, invited everyone to a prayer gathering at the school’s front entrance.
She wrote:
“In honor of Memphis Parkey, we would like to invite ALL BHS students for a prayer at the front of the school. Following a prayer will be a time of fellowship with others as us students navigate through this hard time. Prayers for the Parkey Family and friends are desperately needed currently 🤍Reminder that Jesus LOVES you and have faith!!”
Via Facebook
Others focused on practical help.
A fundraiser sprang up to ease the Parkey family’s financial load. It has an account at First Bank and a Venmo option via Keri Cely (@Keri-Cely). Larissa approved the effort to cover costs and bring her family from Florida to Texas.
“Our hearts are shattered by the passing of Class of 2026 classmate, Memphis Parkey. In an effort to assist the family with financial needs, an account will be set up at First Bank tomorrow.Please keep the family and our Bulldog family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.❤️”
The post said, adding up the collective heartbreak.
Memphis Left His Mark In More Ways Than One
In March 2025, he and teammate Izayah Guillen shone at their first Ag Mechanics competition, earning a superior project rating.
It was a big deal—representing BHS and the “Bulldog Way” with grit and talent. Like so many others, that moment showed what he was made of.
Burkburnett is quieter now, grieving a kid who lit up their days.
Memphis Parkey was an early riser who never skipped a workout, a student who quickly tackled AP classes, and an athlete who gave everything to his teams.
He was the brother and son who loved his family, the friend who made people smile.
His life ended too soon, but what he left behind- hard work, kindness, and a contagious spirit—won’t fade.
Memphis’s memory is strong and bright as the Bulldog community holds his family close.
Rest in peace, Memphis🕊️❤️
