Christina Grimmie’s connections in the entertainment industry extended well beyond “The Voice,” the TV show that made her famous.
The slain singer’s longtime manager, Brian Teefey, is the stepfather of Selena Gomez. Grimmie and Gomez were close friends, according to People. Grimmie also sang backup for Gomez on her We Own the Night Tour.
Teefey has set up a GoFundMe page to assist Grimmie’s family following her shocking murder.
“Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling,” Teefey said in a statement. “I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me. All I wanted to do was assist her in achieving her musical dreams while protecting her from the pitfalls associated with the business. I never could have imagined this horrific event being one of the pitfalls needing to be avoided.”
Grimmie, a YouTube sensation and “The Voice” Season 6 contestant, was shot and killed Friday night when a gunman opened fire at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida, as she signed autographs for fans after a concert.
Teefey continued: “In Christina’s honor I have created a Go Fund Me page to assist her family in their time of need. As family Mother, Father, and Brother made the ultimate family sacrifice to support Christina on her musical journey. They did nothing but love her and support her as family the best they knew how, the only worry I want them to have at this point is that of recovery.”
The GoFundMe page so far has raised eight times the requested $4000 donation.
Gomez posted a picture of her and Grimmie on Twitter Saturday afternoon.
My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina pic.twitter.com/KWGwZZlj4t
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) June 11, 2016
Other artists tweeted tributes as well.
#RIPChristina ?? my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones..
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) June 11, 2016
i have no words. rip christina?
see you again, love. isaiah 25:8 https://t.co/z6d4joaMPQ— tori kelly (@torikelly) June 11, 2016
I can't understand this. I can't. You were an absolute shining light Christina and you made your mark. #RIPChristina pic.twitter.com/ixVJJz78iZ
— Rachel Platten (@RachelPlatten) June 11, 2016
Orlando Police have identified Grimmie’s murderer as