Family of slain The Voice star Christina Grimmie speak out on 10th anniversary of her tragic murder at age 22: ‘She’ll never be forgotten’

Christina Grimmie’s loved ones have spoken out ahead of the 10th anniversary of The Voice star’s tragic murder at the age of 22. 

The late singer was shot three times by 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl during a meet-and-greet following a concert in Orlando on June 10, 2016. Loibl killed himself at the scene after being tackled to the ground by Grimmie’s brother Marcus. 

Grimmie was the daughter of father Albert and mother Tina, who passed away in 2018 following a battle with breast cancer. 

‘The grief itself is like this black marble in a jar, and the grief is going to be the same, but the jar is going to expand,’ Albert told Us Weekly in an article published on Thursday. 

He added that his ‘capacity to carry that grief has grown’ over the years. 

Grimmie’s father told the outlet that he misses his daughter’s ‘excitement for life’ and her humorous side. 

He had given her the nickname Grumpina which he would sometimes call her ‘when she was mad or grumpy.’ 

‘And then she [would be] like, “Dad, I want to be grumpy right now.” She was funny,’ Albert continued.

Her brother Marcus also shared that his sister ‘always made people feel heard, and that’s something I try to do.’ 

Marcus had also been called a hero after he tackled the gunman to the ground after Grimmie had been shot, but it was a label that he ‘never agreed with.’

‘I understand objectively what’s being said, but for me it’s like, “Well, I didn’t save her,” so it’s hard to feel that way.”‘ 

Albert also reflected on his son’s actions that night and said, ‘Nobody knows what would have transpired if Marcus hadn’t done what he did.’

Her family has since launched the Christina Grimmie Foundation in 2017 which helps families that are impacted by gun violence, per the official website. 

From June 5-7, they are also putting on the inaugural Grimmie Fest which will honor the late singer’s impact and legacy.

Her brother Marcus will also be performing with his own band called The Living Tombstone. 

Grimmie’s loved ones are also awaiting for a bill to pass which would make June 10 Christina Grimmie Day in her home state of New Jersey. 

The bill recently passed the New Jersey Senate and Senator Latham Tiver gave a moving statement. 

‘Christina Grimmie was not only an incredibly gifted artist, but a South Jersey native whose kindness, talent, and passion for music touched millions around the world.’ 

He added, ‘She made New Jersey proud, and this resolution ensures her legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated here at home. 

‘Christina’s story still inspires young artists everywhere, and her impact on music and popular culture continues to be felt today.’

Marcus later told Us Weekly, ‘Instead of dreading the 10th, we’re adding this additional layer of hope. It’s exciting to celebrate the person she was.’

Grimmie’s father added that her death ‘is more than just a tragedy’ and called the singer ‘a pioneer of YouTube.’

Danielle Hendrix, who had been in attendance at the concert the night of Grimmie’s death, shared how Grimmie still impacts her to this day. 

‘It might be kind of cringey to admit, but honestly, to this day, I still think of her whenever I see rays of sun filtering through clouds. She had a heart of gold. And she’ll never be forgotten on our watch.’ 

A few months earlier in March, Grimmie’s family celebrated what would have been her 32nd birthday. 

Alongside a photo of the singer, her loved ones penned on her Instagram page: ‘Today we celebrate Christina’s birthday with full hearts and deep gratitude for the beautiful light she brought into the world. 

‘We miss her every single day, but her love, her faith, and her music continue to remind us that she is still with us in so many ways.’

The message concluded with, ‘We are very thankful for all those who supported us and kept Christina’s memory alive for the past 10 years. With Love, Bud & Marcus Grimmie.’

Fans mourned the loss following her death while celebrities also paid tribute. 

Adam Levine, who had been her coach during season six of The Voice, issued a statement to People on behalf of himself and wife Behati Prinsloo. 

‘[My wife] Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie’s tragic death.’ 

The Maroon 5 frontman added, ‘Our hearts go out to her family. Christina was a natural, a gifted talent that comes along so rarely. She was taken from us too soon.

‘This is yet another senseless act of extreme violence. I am left stunned and confused how these things can conceivably continue to happen in our world.’

Christina Aguilera had written on social media, ‘So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo’ 

Blake Shelton typed, ‘I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl…Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind.’  

‘#RIPChristina. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones,’ Demi Lovato also shared. 

The Voice’s main account also stated, ‘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.’