Youtube star and former ‘The Voice’ contestant Christina Grimmie was shot dead in Orlando on Friday evening (June 10), police have confirmed. Grimmie had been signing autographs when she was approached by an unknown man who opened fire on her. The 22-year-old was then taken to hospital and later died of her injuries.

Christina GrimmieChristina Grimmie has died after being fatally shot in Orlando.

In a statement a representative for the singer said: "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. If you'd like to give back to Christina's family in her memory, please consider donating to the families GoFundMe page in their time of need.”

According to ABC News the suspect was tackled by Grimmie’s brother and during the struggle he shot himself and was pronounced dead at the scene. Orlando Police Department public information officer Wanda Miglio hailed Grimmie’s brother as a hero for preventing further harm.

Miglio said Grimmie'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....Her brother is a hero for saving and stopping him from not hurting anyone else.”

Grimmie had been performing at Orlando's Plaza Live Theater with band Before You Exit. The show had ended at 10pm, after which Grimmie went to sell merchandise and sign autographs with fans. Police say they had responded to a call received at 10:24 p.m. saying shots had been fired at the theatre.

Grimmie first gained recognition in 2009 after she posted videos on Youtube showing her performing covers of songs by Nelly and Miley Cyrus. In 2014 she completed on the sixth season of ‘The Voice’ where she was placed third. In February she had released her second EP, Side A.