HARRISON, OH. (THECOUNT) — Kayla Duerler, a 16-year-old Harrison High School student, has been identified as the victim killed Wednesday afternoon in a wreck on Reily Millville Road in Hamilton, OH.

Doug Goodman described Duerler, who attended LifeSpring Christian Church, as intelligent and fond of reading, with a soft-spoken demeanor that belied her strong religious and moral convictions. She was well-loved by her friends in Harrison High School’s marching band, where she had recently been promoted to drum major.

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“It’s unique to see a young lady at her age to have such a passionate and deep heart,” Goodman, an associate pastor at LifeSpring, said at a Thursday night vigil. “We’re just very grateful for the time we’ve had with her, and we’re mourning her loss.” source

As her community mourned her Thursday night, Goodman said it was easy to see how her quiet convictions and caring heart had impacted the people around her.

“(I’ve heard) story after story of connections being made between students, young people, people in the community who have been inspired by her,” he said. “The community just lost a wonderful child of the Lord.”