Angie Birk Obituary, Death – A school nurse in Missouri, Angie Birk, tragically died after an “accidental collision” with a student, as reported by local news outlets. Birk had only been working at KVC Academy – Edgewood in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, for one month before the incident occurred.
KVC Missouri, where Birk worked, is known for providing a wide range of children’s mental health and family services, including foster care, therapeutic education, mental health treatment, and wilderness programs. According to KVC’s website, it is the state’s most comprehensive provider of these services.
The accident happened on March 15, when Birk sustained critical injuries during an encounter with a student. She was hospitalized and spent six days in the hospital, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Birk, who was 51 years old, suffered head trauma and underwent surgery for a brain bleed but never regained consciousness.
An investigation conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that Birk’s injuries were the result of an accidental collision with a student. The student had been “de-escalating from disruptive behaviors” when the collision occurred. KVC Missouri President Lindsey Stephenson emphasized in a statement that it was an unfortunate accident between two people. Stephenson also noted that the organization has fully cooperated with the investigation and expressed deep sorrow over Birk’s death.
OSHA did not issue any citations to the school but did conclude that employees at KVC Missouri “may be exposed to hazards associated with workplace violence.” This finding has raised concerns about the safety protocols and training provided to staff working with special needs students.
Birk’s family believes the school is partly responsible for her death. Her sister told KTVI that Birk had not received adequate training to handle the challenging environment at KVC Academy, which serves students with special needs. The family feels the school failed to protect Birk and wants accountability for the incident. They have not indicated whether they plan to pursue legal action.
Birk leaves behind two daughters, aged 17 and 21. The family, deeply grieving their loss, continues to seek answers and justice for what they believe was a preventable tragedy. KVC Missouri, which operates over 20 locations, remains committed to reviewing its practices and cooperating with investigations.