A gunman opened fire at a Florida concert venue as singer Christina Grimmie signed autographs for fans after a show, killing the one-time star of The Voice before shooting and killing himself, officials said on Saturday.
A publicist for Grimmie, Heather Walsh, said in an email early Saturday that “we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord.” The Orlando Police Department also confirmed on its official Twitter page that Grimmie had died.
Grimmie, a New Jersey native, finished third during season six of NBC’s The Voice in 2014, competing on the team of Maroon 5 star Adam Levine. She began amassing a following on YouTube as a teenager, gripping online viewers with her powerful renditions of hit songs. Her videos on YouTube have garnered millions of views.
Police said in a news release that the 22-year-old singer had performed with the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando. The concert ended around 10pm, and Grimmie was shot as she signed autographs for fans at a merchandise table.
“Upon arrival officers found the male suspect, who was deceased and one victim who was gravely injured. That victim, singer Christina Grimmie, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries,” the Orlando Police told E! News. “Detectives were told the suspect, who is not being identified at this time, walked toward Christina and shot her. Christina’s brother immediately tackled the suspect, stopping him from causing any more harm to Christina and her fans. During the struggle, the suspect shot himself. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Sgt. Wanda Miglio said during a news conference after the shooting that about 60 to 100 people were in attendance, although only a handful remained when the shooting happened.
Miglio said she did not know what security was like at the venue, or how the shooter got two guns inside. She also said she did not know if off-duty officers were working the concert.
“It was just a casual event,” she said.
Grimmie had posted a video of herself shortly before the concert was scheduled to begin, encouraging fans to come see her perform. “Orlando! Come out to the show tonight at the Plaza Live! Starts at 7.30!,” she said.
Levine posted a photo of himself with Grimmie on Instagram, commenting before her death was confirmed: “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this ... this just isn’t fair.”
When reports of Grimmie’s death first surfaced, #PrayforChristina was the top trending hashtag on Twitter. After her death was confirmed, #RIPChristina became the top trending hashtag as Grimmie’s fans took to social media to express an outpouring of grief.
The Voice paid tribute to Grimmie on its official Twitter page: “There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in 2014 that Grimmie moved to Los Angeles in 2012 after joining Selena Gomez on tour to focus on her singing career.
“I’m done being surprised by cool things she does. She’s very talented and she’s worked incredibly hard — it’s a dangerous combination,” her brother Mark Grimmie told the newspaper at the time.
The three-piece Florida band Before You Exit posted a staement on Saturday afternoon.
“Christina was such a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart. She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend. We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken,” the band wrote. “Words fail to describe how much Christina means to all of us. She was always a constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her. Her carefree spirit and her laughter constantly lit up every room she entered and she always had this glisten in her eyes which was evident in her faith. While we know there is no sort of feeling that can replace the joy Christina brought into our lives, we know she is glistening from up in Heaven and shining down on all of us.”