CSU professor dead after accidental shooting near Lakebottom, coroner says
A Columbus State University professor is dead after an overnight shooting in a residence near a Columbus park, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
Bryan said the shooting in the 1600 block of 17th Avenue, near Lakebottom, has been determined to be accidental.
Bryan identified the victim as 31-year-old Erica Anderson. An Erica Anderson is listed on the CSU website as a lecturer in the department of theatre and dance.
Bryan said Anderson’s body will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an autopsy.
A post on the Columbus Police Department’s X page says CPD’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
CSU president Stuart Rayfield told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email Monday, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of one of our professors, Erica (Bascom) Anderson, who was new this semester to our faculty, joining the Department of Theatre & Dance this fall as a lecturer in costume as well as the Costume Shop supervisor. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends, as well as the students she impacted. While we mourn her passing, our team is also ensuring her students and colleagues are aware of all the university support resources available to them.”
This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 11:15 AM.