A mother-of-three was shot and killed by her roommate on Monday in what authorities are now calling a tragic accident.

Erica Anderson, 31, had returned from a trip to Indianapolis, where she visited her husband, who is fighting cancer, and their three children. It was around midnight on Monday when she unintentionally caused alarm for her roommate in Columbus, Georgia.

The roommate, who hasn’t been named, had been receiving alarming texts from her son, which included threats of physical harm and intentions to set their home on 17th Avenue near Lake Bottom Park ablaze, Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan informed WTVM.

Awoken by a noise while she slept, the roommate took hold of her gun and stepped into the hallway, firing two rounds – the second hit Anderson.

The roommate had been sound asleep when she heard Anderson entering the home, Bryan noted.

‘You have to think about the roommate that shot her,’ the coroner said. ‘I’m sure she’s devastated, as anyone would be under the circumstances.’ 

The coroner is currently treating the shooting as accidental; nonetheless, police continue their investigation, and Anderson’s body will be transported to the state crime lab for an autopsy.

Erica Anderson, 31, was tragically shot and killed by her roommate early Monday morning

Authorities say her roommate was left startled when she heard Anderson come into the house

Anderson had just started a job as a lecturer in costumes and as the supervisor for the Costume Shop at Columbus State University.

She had previously taught at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida, school officials said as they announced her employment.

Anderson was also experienced in professional theater and opera, having worked with the Sarasota Opera, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Utah Shakespeare Festival.

She even worked backstage for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees on touring Broadway shows.

‘We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our faculty member, Erica (Bascom) Anderson, who recently joined us this semester as a lecturer in costume and as the Costume Shop supervisor,’ stated Columbus State University President Stuart Rayfield to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer after learning of Anderson’s unfortunate passing.

‘Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends, as well as the students she impacted,’ he continued, reminding students and other university professionals that support resources are available.

Anderson leaves behind her husband, Andy, and their three children – Jade, Noah and Sky

An online fundraiser that was set up to raise money for her funeral expenses and to support her family notes that Anderson ‘was so passionate about her work and her students, and she was truly excited about building her future with the university community she had already come to love.’

The professor leaves behind her husband, Andy, and their three children – Jade, Noah and Sky. 

Making matters worse for the family, Andy is undergoing cancer treatment, the online fundraiser says.

‘More than anything, please keep Andy, Jade, Noah and Sky in your thoughts and prayers,’ it reads. ‘Your kindness, generosity and love mean more than words can express.’

The fundraiser had already reached nearly $11,000 in donations as of Wednesday morning.