Singer Christina Grimmie dies after shooting at Orlando concert

Singer Christina Grimmie, who had competed on the US TV programme The Voice, has died of her wounds after being shot in Florida, police officials said.

A gunman opened fire at Orlando concert venue as singer Christina Grimmie signed autographs for fans after a show, killing the onetime star of The Voice before shooting and killing himself.

Grimmie’s brother immediately tackled the gunman, who then shot and killed himself during the struggle, police said.

Up to 100 people were at the concert, but only a handful remained at the venue when the shooting happened, officials said.A police investigation is now under way into how the suspect had managed to enter the venue with the firearms.

Grimmie, who was born in New Jersey, finished third during season six of the US series of The Voice, competing on the team of Maroon 5 star Adam Levine. Ms Grimmie first came to prominence as a teenager for her renditions of hit songs, amassing a huge following on YouTube. In 2011, she released her debut musical recording Find Me. Her second EP – Side A – followed in February 2016

Grimmie had posted a video of herself shortly before the concert was scheduled to begin, encouraging fans to come see her perform

ORLANDO!! Come out to the show tonight at the Plaza Live! Starts at 7:30! pic.twitter.com/0D4mNupCTi

— Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie) June 10, 2016

When reports of Grimmie’s death first surfaced, #PrayforChristina was the top trending hashtag on Twitter. After her death was confirmed, #RIPChristina became the top trending hashtag as Grimmie’s fans took to social media to express an outpouring of grief. Meanwhile, The Voice wrote in a tweet: “There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.”

With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, @TheRealGrimmie has died from her injuries.

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016

I love you so much @TheRealGrimmie tears can’t stop running down my face. You were the one of the best people I knew pic.twitter.com/W8rwHVzUdg

— aj rafael (@ajRAFAEL) June 11, 2016

The world can be a disgusting&disheartening place. And it’s now a bit dimmer without @TheRealGrimmie‘s brilliant light.Rest in peace, girl.

— Anna Brisbin (@BrizzyVoices) June 11, 2016

Levine posted a photo of himself with Grimmie on Instagram, commenting before her death was confirmed: ‘I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this … this just isn’t fair.’