Former The Voice contestant Christina Grimmie was remembered by fans and her Voice coach Adam Levine on Saturday (June 11) after she was shot and killed by an unknown gunman in Florida.
According to ABC News, the 22-year-old was shot in the head as she signed autographs for fans after a show in Orlando. Following the shooting, Grimmie’s brother wrestled with the unknown 21-year-old white male. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police believe Grimmie did not know the man. The suspect also had two loaded magazines and a large hunting knife in addition to the two handguns he was carrying in his car.
“The suspect traveled to Orlando apparently to commit this crime and then had plans to travel back to where he came from,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters Saturday.
Grimmie was widely known for her appearance on The Voice. The NJ native came in third place but gained a heavy following after the show. She was the opening act for Before You Exit, a pop-rock band, and encourage fans to come to the show via Twitter that day.
After news of her death spread over social media, fans shared their favorite performances from the budding star. Levine, who was her coach on the show, also sent prayers before her death was confirmed.
Other coaches including Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton also sent their condolences. Voice host Carson Daly posed the question about gun violence while discussing Grimmie’s time on the show. “She really was special,” he said. “She had an infectious laugh, she was determined, she was confident, but she was so incredibly sweet. You would never forget meeting her.”
"She was determined, she was confident. But she was so incredibly sweet": @CarsonDaly remembers Christina Grimmiehttps://t.co/BYjifnPPWm
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 11, 2016
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
I'm stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl… Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/CarsonDaly/status/741600172438900737
So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) June 11, 2016
Singers Tori Kelly and Demi Lovato also sent prayers the singer’s family.
https://twitter.com/ToriKelly/status/741523080179154944
https://twitter.com/ddlovato/status/741527365998809088
Police are expected to release the gunman’s name by Saturday afternoon. Mina says they are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. “It’s “unknown what his plans were for after killing Christina, but very heroic actions by Marcus Grimmie to jump in definitely could have prevented future loss of life there,” Mina said.
Watch a fan-favorite performance from Grimmie below.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bRGOAeC_Vhg
UPDATE: 6/11/16 5:58 P.M.
The alleged suspect in the death of Christine Grimmie has been identified as Kevin James Loibl from St. Petersburg, Florida.
OPD can confirm 27 year old Kevin James Loibl, suspect who shot Christina Grimmie, is from St Petersburg, FL pic.twitter.com/iN6RUi3VRx
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016
TMZ reports his home is currently being searched by the authorities. Currently, a note written by family members declining interviews hangs from his door. Police believe Loibl was a deranged fan. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chairman NBC Entertainment Robert Greenblatt issued a statement on the singer’s death.”Christina’s talent, energy, and spirit set her apart as a true star, and this tragedy leaves a gaping hole in our NBC family,” he said.