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Gyms across U.S. honor slain Charlotte bride-to-be on her wedding day

PINEVILLE, N.C. — On what would have been her wedding day, gyms across the country participated in a workout in memory of a college counselor who was murdered in Charlotte.

Amanda Strous and her fiance were members at Crossfit Pineville, and on Saturday morning dozens of people gathered for a special workout to raise money for Strous’ loved ones as well as a scholarship in her memory.

"It's a very tough time, you can't really wrap your head around it. we're just trying to be there for each other to get through it," said co-founder of Crossfit Pineville Warren Gheen.

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The owner of the gym, Michelle Shuck, told Channel 9 that gyms across the country have reached out, wanting to provide more than just condolences.

"Gyms as far as Oregon, Washington state and Hawaii are participating in the workout today,” said Shuck. “A total of 27 crossfit boxes are doing the workout in their own gym. Even though they never met Amanda, her life is spreading and shining and that's really amazing."

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As loved ones wait for justice, they're celebrating her short life on what may have been the happiest day of her life.

Shuck told Channel 9 that Strous’ family and fiancé were celebrating her life at the beach Saturday.

They've arranged for her memory to live on through a scholarship, with the help of fundraisers like the one in Pineville Saturday.

Investigators said Strous’ neighbor, Mathew Benner, killed her last month and set her apartment on fire to cover it up.

Next month, prosecutors are expected to announce if they will ask for the death penalty.

Prosecutors are expected to announce if they'll ask for the death penalty in the case next month.

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