Hundreds Celebrate the Life of South Jersey Native and Singer Christina Grimmie
It was a solemn evening in Marlton Monday night as friends, family, and members of the community gathered to honor the life of slain musician Christina Grimmie.
The candlelight vigil at Evesham Memorial Park was full of hugs and tears. While those who attended were fans of Grimmie's, but they weren't just Grimmie fans. Most people we stopped to talk to had known the singer personally. To them she was just a hometown girl who made them proud on the national stage during her time on season 6 of NBC's The Voice.
I met Maddie McDonald and Emily Pond who went to Cherokee High School with Christina. Many sported sported TEAM GRIMMIE FOREVER t-shirts. The evening showed just what an impact she had on those who knew her.
Many spoke during the vigil, but the most emotional moment of the night came when Christina's brother Marcus Grimmie, who tackled the man who shot her on Saturday in Orlando, Florida, spoke about his sister, and that she was just the coolest person ever to him. He also confirmed that Christina's Voice mentor Adam Levine has offered to cover her funeral expenses. Marc poignantly expressed his condolences for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting massacre, which took place just one night after Christina's murder.
27-year old Kevin Loibl, of St. Petersburg, Florida, allegedly drove two hours armed with two guns and a hunting knife to carry out the attack which happened as Christina was signing autographs for fans after her concert. Loibl took his own life at the scene.
But those closest to Christina Grimmie do not want her to be remembered for how she died, but how she lived. Her brief but inspired life will be her legacy.