Singer Christina Grimmie died early Saturday during a post-concert autograph signing Friday night, police said. The shooting was reported at the Plaza Live concert venue east of downtown Orlando, FL about 10:30 p.m., after a performance by the band Before you Exit and Grimmie, who has appeared on NBC’s The Voice. Grimmie, 22, opened the show, then Before You Exit took the stage. The show ended about 10 p.m.
After the show, Grimmie and the band signed autographs near a merchandise table inside.
“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord,” her publicist confirmed the news. “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 friends in their time of mourning. If you’d like to give back to Christina’s family in her memory, please consider donating to the families GoFundMe page in their time of need.”
The gunman also took his own life during a struggle with the singer’s brother who intervened and possibly saved others from harm.
“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,” said an Orlando Police spokesman, “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.”
Grimmie was a 2014 participant in season six of The Voice. Her vocal prowess inspired all four coaches to turn their chairs. She joined Adam Levine’s team and went to the finals where she finished in third place.
