A beloved powerlifter and coach has been identified as one of two victims in a suspected murder-suicide that has left a seven-year-old boy without his mum.
Amanda Wakut, 33, was found dead alongside 35-year-old Richard Eastin inside a home on Chesterland Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police say a 45-year-old man called his ex-wife shortly before the incident, claiming he had shot two people and intended to kill himself.
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Officers responding to the address reportedly saw a pickup truck leaving the scene and launched a pursuit.
The driver eventually stopped, exited the vehicle and fatally shot himself, according to investigators.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspected gunman or released a motive.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Ohio’s powerlifting community, where Amanda was known as a coach, competitor and mentor.
Just two days before her death, Amanda had been celebrating qualification for the prestigious Arnold Sports Festival after competing at the Battle at the Bridge Regional and Arnold Qualifying competition in Pennsylvania.
A post shared by Full Send Powerlifting congratulated her for “absolutely crushing” the event.
The gym said her “hard work and dedication paid off” and that she would be returning to the Arnold competition “with a fire inside ready to conquer”.
Amanda’s performance included a 365lb deadlift for 10 repetitions, a 271ft Husafell carry in one minute and a 49ft Zamboni push and pull.
Following news of her death, the gym shared an emotional tribute.
It said: “We lost Amanda.
“I still can’t believe I’m typing those words.
“Amanda; our coach, our friend, our beacon.
“A woman who showed up for everyone around her with so much love, energy, and heart.
“She was one of a kind, and the world is a dimmer place without her in it.”
The post said the focus was now on supporting Amanda’s son, Landyn, and her mother, Irene.
It added: “We want to gather everything we can to celebrate who she was and preserve her story for Landyn.
“Amanda, you were so loved.
“You still are.
“Always will be.
“Forever and ever.”
A fundraiser launched for Amanda’s family has already raised more than $36,500 (£27,000), as reported by Need To Know.
The GoFundMe states that Amanda was “tragically murdered” on 21 June and describes the devastating impact on her young son.
It reads: “Amanda loved her son Landyn more than anything.
“She not only taught him how to be strong, but all of her clients, friends, and loved ones.
“She always had a smile on her face and had a sense of humor that we will all grieve the loss of.
“She helped the people around her be better.”
The fundraiser says Amanda’s family is now facing funeral expenses while trying to provide stability for her son following the tragedy.
Friends described Amanda as someone who constantly encouraged others and brought positivity to those around her.
The campaign added: “Whether that was in perfecting their form, demonstrating dedication, determination, and excellence, or simply showing up when you needed a friend.
“She was a true friend that always had a helping hand or funny joke when you needed it most.”
Richard Eastin, who was also killed, has similarly been remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted man.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain ongoing.
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