This past week in America has truly experienced tragedy. We all know that some sort of tragedy can happen every day in the world, but in Florida, a series of events happened continuously no more than three days apart. Not only did families of those who lost their lives mourned but America did too.
Christina Grimmie will always be remembered by her beautiful voice and outgoing personality. On June 10 her loved ones lost an angel. Grimmie was performing at The Plaza Live in Orlando. Once the concert ended Grimmie sat at a table to greet her fans, sign autographs and sell merchandise. While fans waited to greet her, a gunman shot and killed her. Then the gunman fatally shot himself.
As fans heard about the shooting, #PrayforChristina was trending on Twitter. Then once her death was confirmed it changed to #RIPChristina and fans shared their concern of grief. Grimmie’s killer, Kevin Loibl, had two weapons on him, an ammo and knife. Once officials began to investigate there happened to be no connection between them.
During season six of The Voice, Grimmie was a contestant on the show. After capturing the eyes of the judges, she was able to move forward making it to the third round and teamed up with Maroon 5 member, Adam Levine as her coach.
Grimmie was born in Marlton, N.J. A public viewing took place June 17 in Medford, N.J. with a service to follow.
Just a day later, a massive shooting happened in another part of town in Orlando at a gay nightclub on June 12. Around 2 a.m. Omar Mateen went inside Pulse Night Club shooting and killing 49 people and injuring 53 or more. Mateen was then shot by police. This shooting has been named the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Prior to arriving at the nightclub, Mateen’s wife drove him to several locations. During the shooting Mateen sent text messages to his wife. Since the massacre has happened, his wife Noor Zahi Salman, has been interviewed and investigators are seeking information to see if she played a role in it.
Across the world, many LGBT communities mourned together in support of victims. For those who died in the massive shooting, their identities were released on June 13. From that point on, more interviews took place from family members of victims and for those who survived. In support, television stations like MTV, BET and Lifetime engraved their logo colors in remembrance of those who died.
By June 16, the LGBT community including other supportive groups raised over $100,000 for workers of the club where the massacre took place. This is still a developing story, as it will never be forgotten. If you would like to donate, please do so at Pulse Orlando Club.
A family from Nebraska was vacationing at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa when their 2-year-old son was killed by an alligator.
On June 14, the body of Lane Graves, a toddler, was found the next day from what officials say. Graves was playing in a foot of water, which is normal for a toddler and an alligator appeared and attacked him.
Melissa and Matt, parents of Lane have appreciated the concern of the public but are asking for privacy at this time and are not speaking about the death of their son publicly. The family returned to their Neb. home June 16. They are now preparing for their son’s burial to lay him to rest. If you would like to donate please do so at Graves Family Support Fund.
The resort is planning to add more signs around the lagoon to warn future guests and visitors that vacation there.
