Ted Burgon was killed August 31, 2002, in an ambush of a convoy of teachers headed for the Grasberg mine in Papua New Guinea. He had just taken the assignment as principal for the American School at the largest gold mine in the world. The gunmen were suspected to be a part of Muslim militant group.

Ted was born July 16, 1931, in Pocatello, Idaho, where grew up. He was a tank officer in the Marines and an educator for the past 34 years living and working in ten countries. Ted was living in Sunriver, Oregon. He jumped at Idaho City during the 1952 season.