This is so, so unbelievably sad.
Season six “The Voice” contestant Christina Grimmie’s rep has confirmed that the singer died after being shot following a concert in Orlando, Florida on Friday. She was only 22.
“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord,” a statement read. “She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gun shot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and her friends in their time of mourning.”
According to People.com, the singer was the opening act for the band Before You Exit and was signing autographs near a merchandise table. That’s when an as-of-yet-unnamed man walked up with two guns and opened fire. It is believed Christina was shot twice in the head.
Grimmie’s hero brother, Marcus Grimmie, immediately tackled the armed suspect, preventing more innocent people from being injured. The suspect then shot himself and died at the scene. Christina was rushed to the hospital where she sadly passed away a few hours later.
Right now, it’s unclear how the shooter got into the venue and it’s definitely not clear how he got in there with guns. It’s also unclear if he was specifically targeting Christina or if she was just a random victim.
Christina was a popular YouTuber who competed on Adam Levine’s team during the sixth season of “The Voice” in 2014. She finished third that season.
Adam Levine hasn’t yet said anything publicly about Christina’s death, but Adam’s good friend and fellow “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton expressed his disbelief after hearing the news at the same time the rest of the world was hearing it.
Just hearing about this.. Is this all true? Anybody know how she’s doing? https://t.co/f6mqVEelrS
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 11, 2016
Ok.. Praying.. https://t.co/CKjNlOGDQD
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 11, 2016
“The Voice” also tweeted disbelief and condolences.
We are heartbroken. @TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family. Our thoughts are with her and her family. #PrayForChristina
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016
A GoFundMe account has been created by Christina’s management team and donations will be given to her family to help with expenses. You can donate by visiting gofundme.com/christinagrimmie.
Update: Police held a press conference this morning and revealed more information about the shooting. Read here.
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