Boulder Shooting Victim Teri Leiker Was 'Selfless,' Friend Says

BOULDER, CO — A dedicated King Soopers employee was working at a job she loved when a shooter opened fire at the store Monday, killing her and nine other people, police said.

Teri Leiker, 51, worked at the store for more than 30 years, her friend Lexi Knutson said in an Instagram post.

Leiker was "the most selfless, innocent, amazing person I have every had the honor of meeting," the post said.

The pair met several years ago through the University of Colorado Boulder's Best Buddies program, Knutson said. The organization connects students with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"Her shy friendship towards me turned into a sort of sisterhood," Knutson said.

Leiker would call her early in the morning almost every week and would end their calls with, "love your buddy, Teri," Knutson said.

The longtime King Soopers employee loved to watch the University of Colorado marching band perform in a kickoff celebration called the Pearl Street Stampede on Friday nights before home football games on the Boulder campus, band Director Matt Dockendorf told The Denver Post.

“She was there even before we started gathering, which is half an hour before the stampede started,” Dockendorf said. “She was just a staple. She was kind of a personal cheerleader for the band.”

Leiker was one of three King Soopers employees killed in the shooting, The Kroger Co., which owns the King Soopers grocery store chain, said in a statement. Employees Denny Stong and Rikki Olds also lost their lives.

"We are horrified and heartbroken over the senseless violence," Kroger said. "In the hours since the shooting, we're learning of truly heroic acts that included associates, customers and first responders selflessly helping to protect and save others."

"The entire Kroger family offers our thoughts, prayers and support to those impacted by this tragedy, including our associates, customers and first responders, and their families," the company said.

The following victims were also identified in the deadly shooting.

• Eric Talley, 51.
• Neven Staisic, 23.
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49.
• Suzanne Fountain, 59.
• Kevin Mahoney, 61.
• Lynn Murray, 62.
• Jody Waters, 65.

Donation campaigns are underway to help those affected by Monday's deadly shooting — learn more about how you can help here.

The city of Boulder is offering free mental health support services to community members daily at the University of Colorado Boulder Events Center, 950 Regent Drive. People can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.