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‘She was like a second mother to all of us;’ Community holds vigil for coach who was found dead

DARKE COUNTY — A community is mourning the loss of a beloved cheerleading coach who was killed in a shooting and house fire in Darke County.

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As reported on News Center 7’s Daybreak, hundreds of people gathered at Ansonia High School on Wednesday night to honor Ericka Kramer, who was killed on Friday.

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Hundreds of people gathered at Ansonia High School on Wednesday night to honor Ericka Kramer, who was killed on Friday.

News Center 7 previously reported that 22-year-old Peyton Beam shot Kramer four times before setting her house on fire, according to investigators.

A group of high school cheerleaders told News Center 7 that they are lost without their coach.

“She was like a second mother to all of us, and she always cared about our health, our mental health, and she was just amazing,” Isabella Obringer said.

The group of cheerleaders, all senior students, said coping with the death of their coach is hard.

“I think the hardest part about it is trying to make all the girls feel like you’re okay, it will be okay,” said Abby Klingshirn.

“It’s hard, it’s unfair, so that’s the hardest part. Because it was just sudden and it was for no good reason,” said Chloe Marker.

Community members lit candles, prayed, and shared stories about Kramer throughout the vigil.

“We always get through everything together, and it’s just really nice to have people close to you,” said Obringer.

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