Golfers tee off to keep memory alive

DEFIANCE, Ohio (WANE) -- - Tuesday afternoon, golfers of all ages hit the links to remember the victim of an apartment fire in Fort Wayne and to make sure her love of the game lives on.

19-year-old Lara Punches was the third and final victim of a fatal fire at the Willows of Coventry back in January

Five months after losing her, friends and family are keeping her memory alive--one swing at a time.

"She loved animals, she loved band and music and she loved golf," explained Lara's old high school golf coach Martha Mallott.

That passion is what brought dozens out to Auglaize Golf Club in Defiance, Ohio for an 18 hole scramble in Lara's honor.

"She loved to play golf and it's a good way to actually get out there and think about her while you play," Julie Reith, a former teammate of Lara's, told NewsChannel 15.

Lara played golf all four years of high school, before being killed during her freshman year of college.

She was attending the International Business College in Fort Wayne when fire broke out in her apartment building at the Willows of Coventry on January 23, 2009.

The fire killed two of Lara's roommates and Lara also died 20 days after the fire from smoke inhalation.

"We had a little time to prepare but losing someone like her is never easy," said friend and former teammate Ashley Buxton. "It takes awhile."

Taking part in the charity golf tournament was a no brainer for those who loved Lara.

Several of her former teammates hit the green to remember her.

"She only played because she liked it, she didn't play to impress anybody or anything else. She just played cause she wanted to, so I think it's really a neat thing that they're having something like this for her," said Laura Keller who also played in the golf tournament.

About 50 people teed off as part of the tournament. Organizers say the money will fund a memorial scholarship in Lara's name.

The scholarship will be given to a deserving senior at Lara's Alma mater: Defiance High School.

Lara's dad Paul Punches was on hand for the special fundraiser. He told NewsChannel 15: "I'm glad something's being done to help carry on the money aspect and possibly help other people enjoy golf."

It's just the first year for the event, but Lara's former coach and event organizer Martha Mallott considers its success as a hole in one.

She says, "I think our turnout is really good and I'm sure it'll get better every single year when everyone hears about what a fantastic event it was."