A statement released by Burke's publicist said that Burke sustained "irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest".
Publicist Nicole Wool said that Burke tore her vertebral artery, which led to severe bleeding on the brain, causing her to go into cardiac arrest on the scene, where CPR was performed.
According to an online website named after her, "her organs and tissues were donated to save the lives of others" as this is the request of Sarah.