Christina Grimmie, an up and coming singer who appeared on The Voice in 2014, was shot dead at a Florida concert venue on Friday evening. She was 22 years old.
The shooting took place at around 10:45 p.m local time at The Plaza Live, located in Orlando. The suspect shot and killed himself shortly after the incident, the Orlando Police Department confirmed.
The gunman was later identified as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl.
The shooting took place as Grimmie signed autographs for fans once the performance was over. According to police, the armed man walked up to the singer and shot her without warning or motive. Authorities learned that he was carrying two handguns, loaded magazines and a hunting knife.
Fans and fellow celebrities have been deeply affected by the tragedy. Blake Shelton, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and Adam Levine are but a few who have acknowledged her untimely passing.
“I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl… Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind,” tweeted Shelton upon learning about the tragic incident.
Lovato followed suit, adding: “my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones..”
Jonas also expressed his pain through social media: “My heart hurts hearing this news.. So terrible. Praying for Christina and her family. #prayforchristina.”
Levine, who served as her mentor during her time on The Voice, talked about the loss via Instagram.
However, he did not immediately know the 22-year-old performer had passed, initially adding: “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie… this just isn’t fair. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this…this just isn’t fair.”
Grimmie’s Twitter profile has since been updated with the words “The end” by her management team.
Police are still learning more about the incident and the potential motive that led the killer to commit this deadly act.