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Plane crash claims the lives of six members of Bramlage family

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The Kansas State community suffered a terrible loss on Thursday, as a plane carrying six members of the Bramlage family crashed in central Florida.

The family was headed back home to Junction City, Kansas from the Bahamas, but the plane broke apart and crashed in the Tiger Creek Reserve according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Ron Bramlage, whose grandfather’s name adorns Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, and his wife Rebecca were on the plane as were their four children (Brandon, Boston, Beau and Roxanne) whose ages ranged from eight to 15.

Both Ron and Rebecca were Kansas State graduates, and they were known by many in Junction City as important members of the community.

“It’s just a horrific loss,” Junction City Mayor Pat Landes said, adding that the couple supported many local projects and provided college scholarships. The family was well known in town and at Kansas State University, where the basketball arena is named for Ron Bramlage’s grandfather.

Kansas State president Kirk Schultz and athletic director John Currie issued a joint statement, which read:

“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the deaths of Ron and Becky Bramlage and their children today. The Bramlage family holds a special place in the history of Kansas State University and K-State Athletics, and Ron and Becky have been loyal supporters and great fans of K-State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bramlage family during this difficult time.”

To say the least it’s been a tough week for the Kansas State family, of which the Bramlage family has been a member since Fred Bramlage attended the school in the 1930s and played a major role in the construction of Bramlage Coliseum.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.