Christina Grimmie Was Shot by a Fan She Tried to Hug. The Tragic Story of Her Murder, 10 Years Later

Ten years have passed since the heartbreaking night when singer Christina Grimmie lost her life in a shocking act of violence at a fan meet and greet. The 22 year old rising star was performing in Orlando when an obsessive admirer approached her and opened fire.

Christina first captured hearts through her incredible YouTube covers back in 2009 when she was just a teenager. Her powerful voice and genuine personality quickly built her a huge following. She went on to compete on season six of The Voice in 2014 where all the coaches turned for her and she chose Adam Levine as her mentor. She made it all the way to third place and seemed destined for even bigger things in music and acting.

After The Voice she signed with Island Records and kept releasing music while also dipping her toes into acting. She had a bright future ahead full of passion for singing songwriting as and even animal rights causes.

On the evening of June 10 2016 Christina had just finished performing with the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando. She stayed afterward to meet fans and sign autographs like she often did. About 20 minutes into the session a 27 year old man named Kevin James Loibl walked up to her. She greeted him warmly by opening her arms for a hug the way she did with so many supporters.

Instead of hugging back he pulled out a gun and shot her three times in the head and chest. Her brother Marcus who was there with her bravely tackled the gunman but Loibl managed to break free and turned the weapon on himself ending his own life at the scene. Christina was rushed to the hospital but sadly she passed away about half an hour later.

The police investigation revealed that Loibl had traveled from St Petersburg Florida specifically with plans to harm her. He had bought guns and a knife legally beforehand. Friends later described how obsessed he had become with Christina believing she was his soulmate. He spent hours watching her videos and tracking heronline but no one could have predicted the tragedy he would cause.

One concertgoer even mentioned that Loibl seemed kinda creepy while waiting in line but no one realized the danger until it was too late. Since Loibl died without explaining himself the exact reasons behind his actions remain unclear though his fixation was obvious.0

Christina’s family and friends were devastated. Adam Levine shared emotional words on The Voice saying how much he loved her and how unfair it was to lose someone so talented. Selena Gomez who had mentored her early on also posted a heartfelt message about her broken heart.

In the years since her passing her loved ones have worked hard to keep her memory alive. They released more of her music posthumously including EPs and an album. They also started the Christina Grimmie Foundation which supports families impacted by gun violence and has already helped hundreds with significant donations.

This year on the 10th anniversary they held Grimmie Fest to celebrate her life and music while a new documentary about her story was released as well. Christina may have left us far too soon but her voice her kindness and her spirit continue to inspire so many people around the world.