Christina Grimmie the 22-year old former finalist of NBC’S “The Voice” was killed Friday night, after a gunman opened fire at a Florida concert venue.
She had finished a performance with the band Before You Exit at the Plaza in Orlando and was signing autographs when an unidentified gunman shot her.
Christina’s brother immediately tackled the man, who then shot and killed himself during the struggle, police said.
Christina died early Saturday morning. Her publicist, Heather Walsh confirmed saying “Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord,” in an email message.
The Orlando Police Department also confirmed it on their Twitter page and they are currently completing an investigation.
The New Jersey native finished third during season six of NBC’s “The Voice” in 2014. She competed on a team led by Maroon 5 star Adam Levine. Christina’s popularity on the show was due, in part, to her large Youtube following, which she amassed as a teenager. She gained millions of views on the site with powerful renditions of hit songs.
“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 Philadelphia Inquirer in 2014.
Adam Levine, who was on his team during her time as a contestant on The Voice took to his Instagram account to share his feelings on the senseless shooting death: “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie… this just isn’t fair. My prayers are with your family.”
Christina came in third place during season six and Adam announced during the finale that he would sign her to his label regardless of the outcome.