It has been one year since Christina Grimmie was tragically shot to death in Orlando.
On June 11, 2016, Grimmie was signing autographs for fans backstage after a show when she was approached by a man with two guns.
The man, who was later identified as a deranged fan named Kevin James Loibl, opened fire on Grimmie once he got close enough to the singer.
He was then tackled to the ground by Christina’s brother before he could inflict any further damage before turning a gun on himself and pulling the trigger.
“Her brother is a hero for saving and stopping him from not hurting anyone else,” Orlando Sgt. Wanda Miglio said in a statement shortly after Grimmie died of her wounds in a hospital.
Grimmie had risen to fame as a contestant on The Voice, finishing in the top three on Season 6 as part of Team Adam Levine.
On June 9, her family released the studio album Grimmie was in the middle of working on at the time of her death. It’s titled “All Is Vanity” and it’s comprised of 10 songs.
This release came a few months after Grimmie’s relatives released a music video she created before she died.
“The story follows a young girl’s journey into self-discovery through her love life, her womanhood, and her music,” Grimmie’s brother, Brian, wrote on Twitter at the time, adding as a description to what you can watch below:
“Jessica is at a crossroads in her life.
“She becomes suspicious of her boyfriend and is gripped by insecurities only to realize that she is doing more damage to her own heart and future than any relationship ever could.”
Here is that music video:
In March, upon receiving the Teen Choice Award Grimmie won the summer before, Christina’s family released a statement that thanked fans for all their support.
“Your commitment to Christina’s legacy and making your voice heard online is a blessing to us,” they wrote back then.
“We also acknowledge those who supported behind the scenes to make this a reality. Thank you with love!”
Now, on the anniversary of their daughter/sister/loved one’s shocking murder, Grimmie’s family has once again reached out with a few moving words.
Their latest statement, shared on Twitter yesterday, reads as follows:
We want to take this moment to say thank you to Christina’s legion of fans worldwide and all the partners who contributed and are still contributing to her legacy.
Your prayers, love, encouragement and support have been felt by us as a family and we are humbled and deeply appreciative. We too, are still healing, but know that we love each and every one of you.
Thank you for your support!
In April, Levine paid tribute to his former protege during the The Voice when he performed the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” telling the crowd at the time:
“God, I loved her so much.
“I am talking to you guys specifically, I’m talking to everybody. I miss her. It is unfair she is not here. We are going to sing a little song. I am going to be singing every word to her in her honor.
“Thank you for being here. Christina, we love you.”
Well said, Adam.
We continue to send our thoughts and condolences to the family of Christina Grimmie.
May she rest in peace.