Arielle Anderson, a 19-year-old student at Michigan State University (MSU) who was killed when a gunman opened fire on campus last week, was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Anderson was one of three students killed when a gunman opened fire on students in two on-campus buildings on Feb. 13.
The aspiring surgeon was in class when she was killed. She was the niece of TV personality Chandra “Deelishis” Davis.
Davis took to social media to thank friends and fans for the outpouring of support during her family’s time of grief. “As you can imagine, this is tough for my family, but we refuse to lose our Faith in God even in the midst of our greatest challenges and crisis,” Davis said on Instagram. She shared her love for her niece, adding, “May Arielle rest with God & his angels in peace.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer described her as someone with “quiet confidence” and “loud compassion.”
“Her future was robbed from her by a senseless act of violence. It’s not fair,” Whitmore told mourners at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, according to the Associated Press.
The governor assured Anderson’s family that her death “will not have been in vain.”
“Actions that we take in response to this will honor your daughter,” the governor said, referencing gun legislation that Democratic lawmakers in Michigan want to pass.
Anderson, an aspiring medical professional wanted to graduate from college early to pursue her goal of becoming a surgeon, her family said last week, according to the AP.
“As an Angel here on Earth, Arielle was sweet and loving with an infectious smile that was very contagious. “We are absolutely devastated by this heinous act of violence upon her and many other innocent victims,” the student’s family said in a statement.
MSU students Alexandria Verner, 20, and Brian Fraser, 20, were also killed on Feb. 13. Verner was in class at Berkley Hall, and Fraser was fatally shot inside the MSU Union, a nearby building.
Five students were injured and remain in a Lansing hospital, with two in critical condition.
When confronted by police about 4 miles from campus, the shooter, Anthony McRae of Lansing, killed himself. Investigators said he had no connection to the victims or the university and may have had mental health issues, citing a note in his possession.
Classes at Michigan State University Detroit resumed on Monday.
Democrats in Michigan’s House announced legislation on Tuesday that they say will help prevent acts of violence like the one at Michigan State University. The bills are similar to gun safety and background check legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week.