Community Mourns Beloved Cheerleading Coach Killed in Tragedy

Hundreds gather to honor Ericka Kramer, remembered as a second mother to her team

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single red and white cheerleading pom-pom, its individual fibers and textures dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The tragic loss of a beloved community coach has left her cheerleading team and local area in mourning.Today in Dayton

The Darke County community is in mourning after the tragic death of beloved cheerleading coach Ericka Kramer, who was killed in a shooting and house fire incident on Friday. Hundreds of people, including Kramer's cheerleading team, gathered at Ansonia High School to honor her memory, describing her as a caring mentor who prioritized her athletes' mental and physical wellbeing.

Why it matters

The loss of a respected community figure like Ericka Kramer has deeply impacted the local high school and surrounding area, highlighting the important role that coaches and mentors can play in young people's lives. Her death has left her cheerleading team devastated, underscoring the profound effect that tragedies can have on tight-knit communities.

The details

Ericka Kramer, a cheerleading coach at Ansonia High School, was killed in a shooting and house fire incident on Friday in Darke County. Hundreds of people, including Kramer's cheerleading team, gathered at the high school on Wednesday night to honor her memory and mourn her passing. Kramer's athletes described her as a caring mentor who treated them like a 'second mother,' prioritizing their health and wellbeing both physically and mentally.

  • Ericka Kramer was killed on Friday, April 12, 2026.
  • A vigil was held for Kramer at Ansonia High School on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Ericka Kramer

A beloved cheerleading coach at Ansonia High School in Darke County, Ohio, who was tragically killed in a shooting and house fire incident.

Isabella Obringer

A member of Ericka Kramer's cheerleading team, who described Kramer as a 'second mother' who cared deeply about her athletes' health and wellbeing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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, Cheerleader

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Ericka Kramer has left a profound impact on the Darke County community, highlighting the vital role that coaches and mentors can play in supporting and nurturing young people. Her cheerleaders' heartfelt tributes underscore the deep connections that can form between athletes and their coaches, and the importance of fostering caring, supportive environments for youth.