Kaitlin Burger, a former basketball player and assistant girls’ basketball coach at Cumberland Gap High School, passed away in a single-car accident early Saturday morning, November 8, 2025.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 12:16 a.m. on the 1600 block of Forge Ridge Road in Claiborne County, Tennessee.
Kaitlin reportedly was driving east in her 2002 Toyota 4Runner.
As she came to a right-hand curve, the vehicle drifted across the center line into the left lane. It then left the road on the left side, rolled over, struck a tree, and came to rest.
Troopers say Kaitlin was wearing her seatbelt, and no other vehicles were involved.
Kaitlin is survived by her parents, Kevin and Annette Burger, and her sibling, Kelsey.
She played basketball for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and went to Heritage High School in Walland, Tennessee.
Kaitlin Burger played forward and center for her college team. As a freshman, she started slow but ended the year scoring in double figures in her last six games, including a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double against Queens.
In her sophomore season, she played in 28 games and started 14 of them. She averaged 12.4 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Kaitlin had a big night with 28 points at Bluefield State and put up 23 points and 11 rebounds in a win at Mars Hill.
Whereas, in her junior year, she started almost every game, 28 out of 29. She led the team with 6.2 rebounds a game and scored 12.2 points on average.
Kaitlin grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds against Catawba and scored 21 points at Limestone. She had four double-doubles that season.
In high school, she served as team captain at Heritage and earned all-district and all-region honors.
She also played travel ball for Kentucky Premier and the Lady Copperheads.
Beth Combs Beeler, one of Kaitlin’s colleagues at Cumberland Gap High School, penned her tribute post, which reads:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our colleague, Katlin Burger, special education teacher and assistant girls basketball coach.
Beth Combs Beeler
Katlin was a valued member of our faculty whose dedication, kindness, and contributions enriched the lives of students and colleagues alike. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Thus far, details surrounding her funeral and memorial services haven’t been published by her family.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Kaitlin’s parents, sister, friends, colleagues, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Kaitlin Burger!
