Around 10:30 p.m. on Friday the 10th, 2016, Christina Grimmie was shot after her concert in Orlando, Florida while signing autographs and meeting her fans. The gunman was stopped when Christina's brother, Mark, tackled him. The shooter then shot and killed himself. Christina died a few hours later from her injuries.
I can say I am deeply saddened, but even those words don't seem to quite cover what it is I am feeling. It is a mix of shock, grief and simply not understanding. There is more that I cannot articulate. It all seems so senseless to me. This is the first time an artist that meant something to me like Christina did has been shot and killed. In the past, there have been John Lennon, Selena, Tupac and more, but this is the first time this tragedy has personally affected me. As I've grown up, I've watched her grow up, too. She seemed so real to me, not just a star in some far off land. She was a person to me, and I can't understand how someone can so suddenly just be gone.
I woke up Saturday morning, saw the news on Facebook and then proceeded to sob while telling my mom what happened. I kept thinking about her family. How badly they must be hurting right now. Her brother- who is being hailed a hero for stopping the gunman. I remember watching their collaborations on YouTube. She would sing while he played the guitar for her. It makes me think of my own brother, who is alive and well, and I instantly feel my chest constrict as a lump in my throat forms. It is not something I can even begin to imagine. The world lost a light, but Christina's family lost part of their world.
So to you, Christina, I am so, incredibly sorry. Your life was cut too short by a senseless act of violence, and you did not deserve to die. Though I did not know you personally, I wish I did. You've been someone I've looked up to as a role model while growing up. I remember watching your videos on YouTube and being inspired to write songs and even take voice lessons. When I found out that you were on The Voice, I was so excited because I knew you were following your dreams. I wanted you to win because I knew how hard you had worked to get there. From The Voice to touring with Selena Gomez, I have watched you flourish. I am so proud of you. Wherever you are now, I know you will rock it. Thank you for sharing your light with the world. You will be missed.
