Burlington Notre Dame Mourns The Loss of Kelsey Orth, Beloved Daughter of Nikes Assistant Coach Daren Orth In Tragic Car Crash

Her vibrant spirit, her laughter, and her ability to connect with others will not be forgotten.

July 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 22, 2026

The Burlington Notre Dame community and the Nikes baseball program are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Kelsey Orth, the beloved daughter of Nikes Assistant Coach Daren Orth and his wife, Amie.

20 years old Kelsey, a passionate member of the Notre Dame High School Class of 2026, passed away in a devastating car accident on Friday, leaving her family, friends, and community in deep sorrow.

The accident occurred just after 11 p.m. on Des Moines County Highway 99.

, Kelsey was driving a 2008 Kia Sorento at a high speed when she lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle veered into a ditch, struck a channel, and went airborne before rolling several times and coming to rest on its roof.

Tragically, Kelsey was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the car, 18-year-old Ava Grace McCulloch of West Burlington, was injured in the crash.

Ava, who was wearing her seatbelt, was transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center by the Burlington Fire Department for treatment.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but the loss of Kelsey has already left an unforgettable mark on those who knew her.

Kelsey Orth Was A Daughter, A Sister, A Friend, And A Bright Spirit Who Brought Joy To Everyone Around Her

Kelsey was raised in Burlington, Iowa, alongside her six siblings. Kelsey grew up in a close-knit family.

Her father, Daren, is a dedicated for the Burlington Notre Dame Nikes, and her mother, Amie, has been a pillar of strength for the family in the face of this unimaginable loss.

Described by her sister Madison Orth as a “LOUD, wild, loving, crazy little girl,” Kelsey had a personality that lit up any room.

Her energy and warm heart touched countless lives, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and memories shared by those who knew her.

Madison recently took to Facebook to share a heartfelt request from their mother, asking friends and family to bring photos of Kelsey to her visitation.

Madison wrote:

The Burlington Notre Dame community has mobilized around the Orth family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.

On Monday, the school released a statement acknowledging Kelsey’s passing and her place as a cherished member of the Class of 2026.

They expressed their deep sadness and committed to providing resources to help students, faculty, and families cope with the loss.

Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, and community members, each one evidence of Kelsey’s impact.

Maria Gerber Roth shared,

Similarly, Susan Reid wrote on behalf of her family.

These messages show the deep sense of loss felt by the community, as well as the love and admiration they had for Kelsey.

Her vibrant spirit, her laughter, and her ability to connect with others will not be forgotten.

Kelsey is survived by her parents, Daren and Amie Orth, and her six siblings.

Her family is now left to face a world without her bright presence, but they are finding comfort in the memories shared by those who loved her.

The stories and photos being collected for her visitation will serve as a lasting tribute to a young woman who lived life with passion and joy.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the focus remains on celebrating Kelsey’s life and supporting her family.

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