Texas Tech officials are mourning along with others across the nation after a plane crash left two coaches from Oklahoma State University dead.

The plane carrying Oklahoma State women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and an assistant crashed near the top of a ridge in a heavily wooded area in central Arkansas. Perry County Sheriff Scott Montgomery says the plane went straight into the hillside late Thursday afternoon.

The crash occurred about 45 miles northwest of Little Rock. The sheriff says a witness heard the small plane's engine sputtering, then saw it go into a spiral and crash nose first. All four aboard were killed, including assistant coach Miranda Serna. This comes nearly eleven years after a plane carrying 10 OSU men's basketball players crashed in Colorado.

Texas Tech Head Basketball Coach Kristy Curry and Assistant Coach Brooke Stoehr made comments about the loss in a release today, expressing their sadness for the loss and their respect for the passed.

Texas Tech Head Coach Kristy Curry:

"Our staff is extremely heartbroken and devastated this morning to hear about Kurt and Miranda. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, staff, team and the entire Oklahoma State family.

Kurt was not only a great basketball coach, but an even better husband and dad. I have learned a lot through the years from Kurt on keeping the game in perspective.  Any time we saw each other, sent a text or called, the first thing he would ask me is how Kelly and the girls were doing. He loved his family and treated his players and staff as a family.

Miranda was a bright young star in our business, but beyond that just a tremendous young lady. There are no words that can adequately express how we feel right now. It truly puts the game of basketball in perspective."

Texas Tech Assistant Coach Brooke Stoehr (Played at Louisiana Tech while Kurt Budke was associate head coach from 2000-02):

"My thoughts and prayers are with Kurt and Miranda's families as well as the whole Oklahoma State community. We lost two great human beings that positively impacted the lives of so many people.

I feel fortunate to have played under coach Budke at Louisiana Tech and learned so many valuable lessons from him. One of the most important things I will always remember about him was how much he loved his family and how proud he was of them.

Miranda was a great colleague and always had a smile on her face. She had an incredible willingness to give of herself and serve others. I feel honored to have been associated with both coach Budke and Miranda. They have left a lasting legacy and tremendous example for each one of us to follow as we try and move forward."

More From News/Talk 95.1 & 790 KFYO