Grimmie was reportedly signing autographs after a performance at The Plaza Live venue when the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. According to Orlando police officials, an unidentified man approached her and fired five shots before being tackled by the singer’s 22-year-old brother. During the struggle, the suspect managed to shoot himself. He died at the scene.
Grimmie was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. She later succumbed to her injuries.
With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, TheRealGrimmie has died from her injuries.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016
A representative for Grimmie issued a statement on the singer’s death: “It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning.”
Witness Josh Call, a hot dog vendor working outside the concert venue, told the Orlando Sentinel that he rushed inside after hearing gunshots and saw Grimmie sprawled on the ground with blood coming from her head. The suspect’s body was also in a pool of blood, his face “completely disfigured.”
Orlando Police Department spokesperson Wanda Miglio called Grimmie’s brother “a hero” for subduing the shooter before he could harm others. She said the suspect, whose motives are unknown at this time, had two guns in his possession.
A native of New Jersey, Grimmie first gained fame as a YouTube star, posting covers of songs by Adele and Miley Cyrus. In 2014, she became a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. She finished third under the coaching of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.
Grimmie, who released EP Side A in February, performed as the opening act for pop-punk band Before You Exit on Friday night. The Orlando-based group, made up of brothers Connor, Riley, and Toby McDonough, reacted to her death on Twitter:
Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina pic.twitter.com/EkwTKsaLFr
— Before You Exit⇞ (@beforeyouexit) June 11, 2016
