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Christina Grimmie: A star on the rise cut down by gunman

Police say Loibl shot Grimmie Friday night as she was signing autographs after a concert in Orlando.

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Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters Loibl did not appear to have a criminal record and there was no indication he and Grimmie knew each other.

It is unclear how the gunman got into the concert venue, where unarmed security guards check bags and purses, officials said.

Loibl fatally opened fire on himself after Christina Grimmie’s brother, Marcus Grimmie, tackled him. Grimmie went on to win a spot on Season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice” after her show-stopping performance of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” during a blind audition captivated the attention of all four contestant judges.

SINGER Christina Grimmie has died at the age of 22 after she was shot at a concert in Orlando.

“Christina was a natural, gifted talent that comes along so rarely”, wrote Adam Levine, singer and Grimmie’s mentor on “The Voice” that brought her to the finals. “She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gun shot wounds”. Her videos on YouTube have garnered millions of views.

A publicist for Grimmie said in an email to the Associated Press early Saturday that “we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord”.

Struggling to contain her emotions, Selena said: “One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her”.

“It was just a casual event”, she said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost as well as those that witnessed and aided in the recovery after this senseless act”, the statement said.

Many said Grimmie’s brother is a hero because he was able to prevent the gunman from firing at concertgoers. “We lost a lovely soul with an incredible voice”.

“Please come out!” the young singer said, then added with an effervescent lilt, “Bye!”

“Christina was such a loving, caring, lovely person”, the band Before You Exit wrote on Twitter, adding: “We are so saddened by her passing and completely heartbroken”. I’m praying for you girl….

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Grimmie was most widely known from those TV appearances two years ago, when she rocked listeners with her renditions of songs including “Wrecking Ball” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, and finished third.

Grimmie