University of Kentucky Dancer Kate Kaufling Dead at 20

The Wildcats are in mourning.

Member of the University of Kentucky dance team Kate Kaufling died March 31 following a battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, according to the college. She was 20 years old.

After joining the team last year alongside her twin sister Abbeythe nursing student became a ray of light for the team.

“Kate was a joy to coach and be around,” said head coach Dawn Walters said in a statement. “Her smile could light up a room and she was loved by everyone.”

The coach continued: “We will remember her for the hard fight she fought against osteosarcoma over the past year. She was courageous until the very end and we can all take inspiration for her courageous fight. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with the Kaufling family.

As well as having a passion for dance, Kate was also an “extraordinary student”, who worked tirelessly, according to UK’s associate executive director of sport. Sand Bell.