The family of Erika Jaremko is mourning her loss after the 19-year-old was found dead inside her sorority house at Emporia State University on Friday morning.
Her mother, Stephanie Post, says she still does not know her daughter’s cause of death. However, investigators have ruled out foul play.
Jaremko was a sophomore at Emporia State and studied psychology and education in hopes of one day becoming a teacher.
“I don't think I've fully grasped the situation,” said Post. “She's not here anymore and I'm not going to see her again."
Jaremko’s family said she was full of life, and they will most remember her beautiful smile and laugh.
“She was great girl,” said Jeff Norris, her stepfather. “She was very fun, energetic, and loved by a lot of people."
Erika was a sister of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority while at ESU. Norris said he noticed a difference in her when he visited one weekend.
“It was amazing seeing how much she had changed after going to college and being independent," Norris said. “She had changed from a little girl to someone everybody seemed to love."
Her family said many of her friends have been leaving notes of memories with Erika on Facebook days after she passed away.
Jaremko’s death is still under investigation with police.
Her family plans to hold a vigil in Erika’s honor on Monday, followed by her funeral on Thursday.
A GoFundMe page was set up in Jaremko’s honor to help the family pay for funeral costs.
As of Sunday night, the page had over $8,000 in donations.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at tom.dempsey@kshb.com.
