US singer Christina Grimmie, of Romanian origin, died at 22 after being shot

Singer Christina Grimmie has died at only 22. The former Voice contestant was taken to a local hospital in Orlando on Friday night after being shot by a male suspect, who proceeded to shoot himself.

Ex-contender of “The Voice” show, whose great grandmother was Romanian, died after being shot in the head by an attacker who opened fire at a concert performed by the artist in Orlando, Florida.

“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord (…) She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gun shot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning,” her publicist tells E! News.

Members of the band Before You Exit were signing autographs after a concert at Orlando’s Plaza Live when a male suspect shot Grimmie.

“Upon arrival officers found the male suspect, who was deceased and one victim who was gravely injured. That victim, singer Christina Grimmie, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries,” the Orlando Police tells E! News.

“Detectives were told the suspect, who is not being identified at this time, walked toward Christina and shot her. Christina’s brother immediately tackled the suspect stopping him from causing any more harm to Christina and her fans. During the struggle, the suspect shot himself. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Police tell us the investigation is in its preliminary stages.

In 2014, Grimmie participated in season six of The Voice. Her unique sound caused all four coaches to turn their chairs, but ultimately she joined Adam Levine‘s team and went on to the finals, finishing in third place.

After news of Grimmie’s hospitalization, The Voice tweeted, “We are heartbroken. @TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family.  Our thoughts are with her and her family.  #PrayForChristina.”

Levine also posted a throwback photo of himself with Christina, writing, “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.”

Earlier this year, Grimmie released her second EP, Side A, which consisted of four songs, with plans to later release Side B.