The Nation Shattered by Her Passing

Kate Kaufling, a cherished sophomore nursing student at the University of Kentucky, passed away on March 31, 2024, following a prolonged struggle with osteosarcoma. She was 20 years old. Born in 2003, Kate was an active member of the school dance team and the Tri Delta sorority, alongside her twin sister, Abbey, who also participated in the dance team. Abbey shared her sorrow on Instagram, stating, “My sweet Kate, you were my person.”

Kate received her diagnosis of bone cancer on June 2, 2023. In spite of her condition, she remained committed to her academic pursuits. Sandy Bell, the university’s executive associate athletics director, noted, “Kate was not only an exceptional dancer but also a dedicated student in the College of Nursing who approached her studies with great seriousness.”

Dawn Walters, the head dance coach, remarked, “Her smile could illuminate any room, and she was beloved by everyone on the UKDT. We are all profoundly saddened by Kate’s passing.” Kate’s parents, Holly and Steve, along with her sister Abbey, will profoundly feel her absence. Kate’s legacy endures through the many lives she impacted.