Tag: 17805219

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (WTVD) — The battle for The Predator Trophy between Wake Forest and Wakefield took a back seat Friday night, as the community came together to honor Ericka Lucas, the wife of Wake Forest High coach Reggie Lucas, who died this week following a shooting in August.

Wake Forest players honored Lucas by wearing blue ribbons with her initials on their helmets, while coaches sported blue ribbons on their shirts. Prior to the opening kickoff, a moment of silence was held, with donations collected before and during the game to support the Lucas family.

“Just seeing that Wakefield is supporting Wake Forest during this is phenomenal,” said Rhonda Alderman, a longtime friend and former colleague of Lucas’s.

Alderman and Lucas met in 2004.

“We’ve been with them for so long that the Lucas family calls us family, and I wouldn’t have that any other way. I would not have that any other way. And when I identify the Lucas family, I say that’s my family because we have been bonded for so long that that’s what you become,” said Alderman.

Lucas was a well-regarded educator, ultimately serving as principal at Rolesville High School.

“Ericka was passionate. Very passionate about the students, about the youth. It didn’t matter if it was her student. It didn’t matter if they (went to) another school, a rival school. She was passionate. She was passionate about the sports. She was passionate about the education. She was passionate about making sure the kids had what they needed,” said Alderman.

In a video posted in 2014, Lucas is seen speaking with Rolesville’s mayor, discussing food insecurity, seeking the community’s help in ensuring no student goes home hungry.

“She cared for the students. She cared for the parents. She cared for her staff. She cared for everybody. She would work those long hours to make sure that the students were taken care of,” Alderman recalled.

Authorities said Lucas was shot last month at East Nelson Avenue in Wake Forest, though she was not the intended target. Two teens have been arrested in connection with her death and are now facing murder charges.

“You feel helpless because you wanted to do something, and you didn’t know what to do. The only thing you could do was pray,” said Alderman.

She’s appreciative of the warm remembrances shared from both former students and colleagues.

“I’ve heard from former colleagues that I haven’t heard from in a while. We were all lifting up each other, and that’s what we have to do,” Alderman shared.

Across a series of posts on Facebook, lawmakers shared their condolences.

Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones wrote:

I am deeply saddened by the death of Ericka Lucas. Such a senseless crime. My prayers go out for Reggie and all of the Lucas family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

State Senator Terence Everitt wrote:

My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Rolesville High School principal Ericka Lucas, who was tragically shot in Wake Forest nearly two weeks ago. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and the entire Rolesville and Wake Forest community as they grieve this loss.

State Representative Mike Schietzelt wrote:

My heart is shattered for the Lucas family. I hope for a thorough investigation into Ericka Lucas’s senseless killing and swift justice for her killers. For now, I hope her family members and friends find peace in the midst of their grief.