Christina Grimmie, a YouTube star and one of the runners-up in the 2014 edition of the American talent show The Voice, was shot dead at a concert in Florida, USA on Friday evening. She was 22-years old. The gunman has since been identified by the Orlando Police department as Kevin James Loibl, a 27 year old from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Grimmie had finished her performance at The Plaza Live in Orlando with the band Before You Exit, and was signing autographs for fans when Loibl approached her and shot her in the head. In response, her brother, Marcus Grimmie, tried to tackle Loibl to the ground. Loibl died when he shot himself during the scuffle. Grimmie died at an Orlando hospital around 3AM Saturday morning.
Grimmie’s publicist, Heather Walsh, said in an email early on Saturday that “we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord”.
The Orlando police department also confirmed Grimmie’s death on their Twitter page.
With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, @TheRealGrimmie has died from her injuries.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016
Grimmie was a former The Voice contestant who went on to win the third position in the finals. Earlier this year, Grimmie released her second EP, Side A, which consisted of four songs, with plans to later release Side B.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues with the police yet to figure out the gunman’s motive.
RIP #ChristinaGrimmie #USA please get a grip and reform your Gun Control laws @POTUS
— Satshya Tharien (@satshyaa) June 11, 2016
Heart broken. I’ll never forget her kindness. Rest in paradise songbird. @TheRealGrimmie#RIPChristina
— Alyssa Bernal (@alyssabernal) June 11, 2016
Image Courtesy: Christina Grimmie’s official Facebook page. http://bit.ly/1to4zaI
