Head Of School At Nichols In Buffalo Suddenly Passes Away

The community that makes up one of Buffalo's most prestigious private middle-and-high schools is in mourning today as some tragic news spread around Buffalo late in the day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

In an email that went to parents, faculty, staff, and students, before it was released to the general public, officials at Nichols School announced that its Head of School, Chris Burner, had suddenly passed away.

It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing with you the sad news of Chris Burner’s unexpected passing earlier today. Over the past seven years, as Chris has led Nichols, he has touched many of our lives as a friend, colleague, and outstanding leader of our school. This is a difficult moment for our entire community, but Chris' legacy of commitment, care, and belief in the students will endure.
-Andrew Fors, Chairman of the Nichols School Board of Trustees

Christopher D. Burner, who, since 2019, led Nichols as its 13th Head of School, spent most of his educational career at Western Reserve Academy just outside of Cleveland. Burner, who attended Western Reserve Academy as a student, also attended Franklin & Marshall College, Harvard University, and Dartmouth College before returning to Western Reserve Academy to teach history and Latin in addition to coaching lacrosse and wrestling.

His time at Nichols was marked by his being a very involved leader who left a great impact on the school community.

Counselors are being made available to the nearly 600 students who attend the school, along with additional support being made available to Amanda Burner, Chris's wife, and their two children, Matthew and Abigail.