For the Burton family, excellence runs in the blood — and in the skies.
What began as a routine flight home from a spring vacation turned into a life-saving mission for Kyle Burton ‘20, a recent graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and proud Lake Superior State University alumnus. Mid-flight, with 150 passengers on board, two individuals suffered serious medical emergencies. Kyle was the only person on board with medical training — and thanks to his calm response and clinical skill, both passengers made it safely to the ground.
The moment was extraordinary, but for those who know the Burtons, not unexpected.
The Burton family is deeply rooted in Lake Superior State University. Colleen Burton ‘94, the family’s matriarch, earned her nursing degree from LSSU. Her eldest son, Jordan ‘13, received his Chemistry degree and went on to earn a PhD and pursue a career in research. Kyle followed closely behind, graduating from LSSU in 2020 with a degree in Biochemistry before entering medical school at MSU, where he completed his M.D. in 2024. Now, the youngest sibling, Kaylin Burton ‘25, just graduated from LSSU on May 3, 2025 and will begin medical school at Michigan State University in the fall. The Burtons’ four children share a close and supportive bond. The middle sister, Andrea, has been a constant source of love and unity within the family, grounding them with her presence and perspective.
For the Burtons, LSSU is more than just a university — it’s a tradition built on values of service, perseverance, and pride. Kyle’s dedication to medicine began early in his academic career and was shaped in part by specialized training in emergency care for remote or resource-limited environments, including in-flight medical situations.
That training was put to the test when a male passenger lost consciousness mid-air. With limited tools available, Kyle assessed and stabilized the man using emergency supplies provided by the flight crew. Once the situation was under control and he returned to his seat, another call for help came — this time for an elderly woman experiencing respiratory distress. Kyle acted immediately, assisting her with oxygen and monitoring her condition as the flight crew prepared for landing. He remained with her until the plane touched down, then escorted her off the aircraft to ensure she received immediate medical attention. When he returned to the cabin, fellow passengers expressed their gratitude with a standing ovation — acknowledging not just a job well done, but a life potentially saved.
Back home in Sault Ste. Marie, the family’s pride runs deep. In 2022, Kaylin nominated their mother for Parent of the Year at LSSU — a fitting recognition for the woman who has raised a family guided by compassion, discipline, and purpose.
Kyle’s moment in the sky was a reflection of those values. His quick thinking and composure weren’t just the result of medical training — they were the product of a lifetime shaped by a family committed to helping others.
As Kaylin prepares to begin her own medical journey, and as Jordan continues to advance his research career, Kyle’s story adds another powerful chapter to the Burton family legacy — one that soared at 35,000 feet.
And somewhere in Sault Ste. Marie, proud as ever, Colleen Burton and husband Bruce Burton watch their children chart a course that Colleen helped set — one of service, strength, and a true Laker spirit.
Watch the full story here.