The family of a slain Massachusetts school teacher has issued a statement one year after her death saying "each day is more difficult than the last."
The statement from the parents and siblings of Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer issued Wednesday says while time has not made her death easier, they gain strength from family, friends and former students who continue to support them through emails, phone calls, visits and other efforts to remember Colleen.
They say they are grateful for all those who have been inspired to become teachers because of the Andover native's passion.
In conclusion, the family says it wants people to remember Colleen's words and "do something good" every day.
One of Ritzer's former students, Philip Chism, who was 14 at the time, has been charged with killing her at the school.
He was later found wandering along Route 1 in Topsfield.
Chism has also been charged in an alleged attack on a Department of Youth Services worker while in custody earlier this year.
He has plead not guilty to all charges in Ritzer's killing.
