Such a special person gone for no reason. #RIPChristinaGrimmie pic.twitter.com/ZkG9z8FVj4
— Hard Hits Network (@DerekFlexFelix) June 12, 2016
Imagine doing something you loved and having your life taken away abruptly by a cold blooded assassin. Christina Grimmie lived her dream in becoming a world famous pop singer after years of practice as a YouTube sensation. I followed her on Christina’s YouTube channel, enjoying her passion for music. She was extremely talented and special.
Sadly, following a concert in Orlando, she was shot and killed by a senseless scumbag while signing autographs for fans at Plaza Live Theater. He got off two shots before Grimmie’s brother Marcus Grimmie tackled the loser. Of course, the deranged lunatic took the cowardly way out, fatally shooting himself in the head. While Christina was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, a murderer by the name of Kevin James Loibl committed suicide. How he was allowed to have two guns and a hunter’s knife inside an arena that was supposed to be a celebration of a rising star, remains a mystery. After five hours with fans on Twitter hashtagging #PrayForChristina as the number one trend, she passed away.
There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016
There are no positives when a story like this happens. Only an awful tragedy that breaks our hearts. Christina Grimmie had everything going for her. Only 22 from Marlton, New Jersey, she went from a YouTube sensation to finishing third on The Voice in Season 6. Her performance was spectacular. An amazing cover of Miley Cyrus‘ “Wrecking Ball” left three judges jumping up for joy, including her favorite Adam Levine, who wanted to sign her. Usher oohed and ah’d over her. You would too. She possessed real talent and true dedication along with enthusiasm.
As I was broadcasting my show Hard Hits Late Night with close buddy and co-host John Giagnorio, it took me a moment to realize that it was really her. That beautiful singer I followed on YouTube. I enjoyed her videos. She was a true person with unique talent. The one with the cute YouTube channel name zeldalovex64. It really struck me. Suddenly, whatever we were discussing didn’t matter. The breakdown of the NBA Finals Game 4 with the Warriors prevailing over the Cavaliers and LeBron James talk meant nothing.
In that moment, I kept repeating the same thing over and over. How I hoped she would pull through. Survive and live. Recover and continue living her dream. After I signed off the air on the cheesy airwaves of BlogtalkRadio, her manager confirmed my worst fear. That she had died. An innocent life gone so soon. And for what reason? Because a loser decided to drive to Orlando to kill her. Despicable. Disgraceful. Disgusting.
Prior to her concert with Before You Exit, she left this wonderful message on her Twitter account for fans:
ORLANDO!! Come out to the show tonight at the Plaza Live! Starts at 7:30!? pic.twitter.com/0D4mNupCTi
— Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie) June 10, 2016
If you appreciate the artist, you should also like the person she was. Christina seemed like a breath of fresh air. Someone who would shine under the spotlight and have a long, successful career. Instead, we’re left wondering why. Her life should be celebrated. A look at all the tributes from famous artists shows how loved she was. There was a cute photo with Selena Gomez. A tweet from Levine, who included a photo of her with him.
Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie’s death. Our hearts go out to her family pic.twitter.com/y4OMkm0uXu
— Adam Levine (@adamlevine) June 11, 2016
What would make someone do this? It’s a question that’s been asked before and way too frequently. There should’ve been better security to make sure such a terrible tragedy didn’t happen. It seems like it happens too much lately. Whether it be someone famous or a regular person who gets caught under crossfire at a club, it’s the same sad ending. Guns are too easy for the wrong people to get their hands on. It shouldn’t be the case. There should be more attention put on safety and background checks. Mentally unstable people shouldn’t be free to roam the streets.
I don’t see our government doing anything about it. They’re sitting on their ass using any means necessary to throw one Presidential candidate under the bus when the other is a corrupt, pathological liar. I guess only the current President’s healthcare reform flawed system which puts more money in the pockets of insurance companies and screws others, is the only thing that matters.
I wish Christina Grimmie had lived. I wish I didn’t have to write about this. But I feel obligated to. It’s not always fun and games. Her brother will live with the awful memory of seeing his sister gunned down. He played the guitar in her videos doing a wonderful job for so many. They were a team. Her manager Brian Teefey of LH7 Management left this message along with setting up a Go Fund Me page. Already, over $55,000 has been raised by 2,181 people in 20 hours to Support The Grimmie Family. An amazing show of support.
Post by Brian: https://t.co/s7ZbrEXgGH #RIPChristina pic.twitter.com/q9PwuawtoJ
— Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie) June 11, 2016
May the Grimmie Family find some peace in remembering Christina. <3
