COLUMBUS, Ohio — Friends of Ohio State graduate Dr. Eileen Aria are remembering her fun loving spirit after she lost her life in a Pennsylvania bus crash on Sunday.
Aria, called "Zee" by her friends, was also a member of the Ohio Roller Derby team.
"We were born one day apart, so I call her my birthday sister," said Angel Poynter, a friend and former teammate of Aria's. "She just liked to have fun and enjoy every moment in life."
On July 5, Aria would have celebrated her 36th birthday.
But on Sunday, she lost her life in this crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike while making a trip back to Ohio from New York.
"I was overwhelmed. I was just in shock," Poynter said.
The two met 11 years ago while playing Roller Derby in Columbus.
"I remember one time she was complaining about having short legs and I said girl, you were built for this sport. She loved it," Poynter said.
Aria's friends describe her as a talented athlete, known as fan favorite, "Loraine Acid" on the track. Poynter said Aria is one of a kind.
Behind her warm smile, a smart and ambitious young woman and graduate of Ohio State's Dental School.
"She set herself up to have an amazing career, an amazing future. She was on the brink of finalizing that to be a dental anesthesiologist," Poynter said.
Poynter said those who knew her will always remember a joyful friend who inspired others to make the most out of life.
"She's a fun loving person. Live in the moment, enjoy every moment, don't dwell on, stress or worry. You'd never know how full her plate was. She just had a positive outlook. It's just a great way to be," Poynter said.
A GoFundMe page raised more than $10,000. All donations will go to her family to defray the costs of her funeral and pay the PA fees to bring her home to Columbus.
Aria's funeral will be Friday Jan. 10 near Canton, Ohio.