19-Year-Old Sophomore Student Identified as Victim of Brown University Shooting: ‘Bright Light’

Brown University Shooting Claims Life of Student Ella Cook

Tragedy struck Brown University on December 13th as a mass shooting claimed the lives of at least two people and left nine others injured. Among the victims was 19-year-old student Ella Cook, whose identification was confirmed by Reverend Craig Smalley during a service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama. Cook, described as a “bright light” by Smalley, was remembered for her incredible spirit and positivity both at her church and within the university community.

During the church service, which was streamed live on Facebook, Rev. Smalley spoke emotionally about Cook, highlighting her impactful presence and the positive influence she had on those around her. He urged the congregation to keep Cook’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The news of Cook’s untimely death has left the community at Brown University and beyond in shock and mourning.

The tragic incident unfolded when a gunman entered an engineering building on the Brown University campus and opened fire around 4 p.m. local time. Apart from the two fatalities, nine others were injured in the attack, prompting an outpouring of support and sympathy for the victims and their families. Cook, a promising student, had begun her studies at Brown University in 2024 and was expected to graduate in 2028, according to her LinkedIn page.

While the Providence Police Department initially detained a man as a “person of interest” in connection with the shooting, he has since been released due to lack of evidence. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha clarified that there was no justification to consider him a suspect in the case. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather information and ensure justice is served for the victims.

In response to the tragic events, Brown University issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation led by the Providence police. The university assured its community that safety and security measures were being reinforced on campus, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies was being maintained. As the authorities continue their search efforts, the university remains committed to supporting the affected individuals and upholding a sense of unity and resilience in the wake of the tragedy.

As the details of the shooting at Brown University continue to emerge, the broader community remains vigilant and supportive of those affected by the senseless violence. The loss of Ella Cook and the other victim has sent shockwaves through the university campus and serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. The memories of the victims, including Cook’s “bright light” spirit, will endure as a lasting tribute to their lives and the impact they had on those around them.