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Dance studio hosts emotional vigil for Spelman student killed in crash

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Friends and family gathered Friday night at a dance studio for an emotional vigil for a Spelman College student who died in a suspected drunk-driving accident.

Erica Lanier, 21, died in a crash on Marietta Street in northwest Atlanta last week.

Police say she was a passenger in a friend’s car that was speeding and went out of control. The friend was charged with DUI and vehicular homicide.

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Lanier’s grieving parents said they are finding strength in their faith and their extended family at Studio 1 Dance Company in Loganville, where their daughter taught classes and inspired young women.

“It’s a huge void and it’s going to take some time for us to heal from this tragedy, but we will,” said the victim’s mother, Glenene Lanier.

The family said they are thankful for the little reminders of their daughter at the dance studio.

“It’s overwhelming just to see how Erica’s spirit will continue to live on through the lives of these young girls. One young lady decided that she wanted to attend Spelman now,” Glenene Lanier said.

“She taught me to be human, to be kind yet powerful and independent in my own self,” dance student Emma Kate Herzog said.

Students expressed themselves through dance to celebrate Erica’s life.

“She found her purpose in life and she lived life to the fullest,” said the victim’s father, Eric Lanier.

The dance studio will create a scholarship in Erica’s name to ensure that future generations who never met her will still feel her impact.