Lausanne teacher hit, killed while walking to Overton Square

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - A first-year Lausanne teacher was hit by a car at a busy Midtown intersection on Thursday night.

Police said 22-year-old Barbie Burgmeier was walking in the crosswalk across the intersection of Union Avenue and Cooper Street. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.

A parent of one of Burgmeier's students said she was killed while walking to see "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" at Overton Square.

Lausanne Collegiate School parents, teachers, and students are now grieving.

"Especially during this time of year it's extremely sad to hear, yeah, someone in the Lausanne family has passed away," Maurine Witkey said.

The 34-year-old driver stayed on the scene. Police did not charge him with a crime because they said he had the right of way.

Burgmeier was a biology and chemistry teacher, who was loved by many.

"Very young, very loved, extremely good teacher, it's horrible," Witkey said.

Lausanne headmaster Stuart McCathie sent the following letter out to parents:

Barbie was from upstate New York and was hired after a national search this summer. She had an instructional teaching maturity beyond her years and brought a passion for creating a lifelong love of science in her students. Her energetic teaching style motivated both students and teachers alike and from the moment she stepped onto campus she built meaningful relationships with all she met.

The close-knit community at Lausanne cares deeply for each of its members and has a great sense of empathy for all. Counselors are on campus now and will be providing continued support to students and staff. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us through your divisional office, if we can assist your son/daughter or you in your own comprehension of this tragic loss to our community.

Plans to gather as a school community in memory of Ms. Burgmeier will be announced at a later date.

Even in her short time at Lausanne, Ms. Burgmeier was a great inspiration to her students and beloved by her colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time, and we appreciate your continue support as our students and faculty grieve her loss.

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