The tight-knit community of Ohio City in Van Wert County, Ohio, is grappling with profound grief following a devastating incident over the weekend. A double murder-suicide has left three dead, including a young mother and a father of two, shattering the peace of this small town.
A Tragic Loss for Families
Among the victims was 29-year-old Shelby Coats, a mother of two young daughters aged 4 years and 3 months. Her sudden death has left a deep void in her family and the community.
Julie Mulvey Linn, an Ohio City Council member, expressed the collective shock, stating, “As small as the town is, this happened within blocks of everybody. So, it’s just very, very shocking. The air in the city today is just very heavy.”
The second victim, 30-year-old Andrew C. Lause, hailed from Delphos. He leaves behind his own children and family who are mourning his tragic passing.
Community Rallies to Support Families
In the face of overwhelming sorrow, Ohio City residents are coming together to support the grieving families. Donations are being accepted at the Village Hall (103 S. Main Street) on Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Julie Mulvey Linn noted, “We can’t take away any of the pain or the grief. But people are just trying to step up and do what they can and maybe make daily life a little simpler.”
Additionally, two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to assist the families:
- A fundraiser for Shelby Coats’ daughters, organized by Lexi Turner, aims to provide support during this challenging time.
- Another campaign, created by Kenzie Ricker, seeks donations for Andrew Lause’s funeral expenses and support for his children.
A Heavy Weight on a Small Town
The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the small Ohio town, where everyone knows one another, and such events are rare. Residents are now grappling with the shock while also showing remarkable resilience and unity in their response.
Moving Forward
While the motive for the incident remains under investigation, the focus for Ohio City has shifted toward healing and remembering those who were lost. Community members are doing what they can to ease the burden on grieving families, reflecting the compassion and solidarity that define this town.
