Christina Grimmie’s Brother Delivers Emotional Tribute At Candlelight Vigil

Marcus Grimmie

Hundreds of friends, family and fans gathered in Christina Grimmie‘s hometown of Evesham, New Jersey, Monday night to remember the late singer who was shot by a “deranged fan” after a concert in Orlando, Florida, Friday (June 10). 

The 22-year old’s brother and tour manager, Marcus, who was with his sister at the time of her death, addressed the crowd. 

“Christina was awesome,” Marcus said. “She loved this town, she loved this state, she loved singing, she loved the Lord and she loved me. She was my baby sister.”

Marcus is being hailed as a hero by local law enforcement after he tackled the gunman who turned the gun on himself after he shot Christina. The shooter, who was later identified as 27-year old Kevin Loibl, was carrying extra ammunition and a knife. 

“The tragedy that took place was at a free meet-and-greet post-show,” Marcus said to the crowd. “I missed the first glimpse, but witnesses say she was arms open wide [to the shooter]. She had no idea and she treated everybody the same.”

Marcus then addressed the mass shooting that took place in Orlando just two days after his sister’s murder. 

“About four miles from where we were staying, there was a huge tragedy to Orlando, to the U.S., the LGBT community, to the whole world. Fifty people dead, who knows who’s injured, and I come home to this,” he said as he waved his arms toward the crowd. 

“I have no words … I had five people fly out [to Orlando], my mom and dad — people bought them plane tickets. Adam Levine paid for Christina’s funeral. Selena [Gomez] is singing a song and crying. These people didn’t have that,” he said of the 49 people killed in what is being called the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. “And we’re blessed to, so I’m at a great peace right now. She’s in a better place.”

“You guys didn’t know her like I did,” he added. “She was awesome.”  

Christina Grimmie first found fame as a YouTube star before appearing on The Voice in 2014 where she ultimately placed third as a member of Adam Levine’s team.