Christina Grimmie, a former contestant on "The Voice" who was fatally shot on Friday night as she signed autographs for fans, was a committed Christian who had previously spoken of her faith and how she sang for Jesus.
The singer was a contestant on season 6 of "The Voice" in the US, having already made a name for herself on YouTube, with one of the videos she shared being "In Christ Alone", which you can watch below.
According to the Gospel Herald, Grimmie described herself as a "full-on Christian who loves Jesus" and loved the Bible.
She was signing autographs after performing at a concert witht he band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live theater in Orlando, Florida, when a man carrying two guns came up to her and shot her.
Her brother attempted to tackle the suspect, who then fatally shot himself. Grimmie, 22, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition before dying a few hours later.
"It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord," Grimmie's rep said in a statement. "She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn't survive the gun shot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning. If you'd like to give back to Christina's family in her memory, please consider donating to the families GoFundMe page in their time of need."
"The Voice" judges and other celebrities have expressed their sadness over the death of Grimmie.
Adam Levine shared a photo with Grimmie on his Facebook and Twitter, which he captioned: "Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie's death. Our hearts go out to her family."
Blake Shelton tweeted: "I'm stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl... Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind."
Demi Lovato tweeted: "#RIPChristina my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.."
Fans were expressing their support with the hashtag "prayforchristina."
Orlando police have identified the killer as Kevin James Loibl, 27, of St. Petersburg, Florida. According to the police, he travelled to Orlando with the intention of attacking her and was carrying two guns and a knife at the time of the attack.
It is unclear how he was able to enter the venue, where guests were being checked for weapons. A motive has not yet been established and it is not believed that Loible and Grimmie knew each other.
