The first person killed in the tragic shooting at Brown University has been identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore and vice president of the school’s College Republican club, according to officials from her Alabama parish and a former classmate.
Her death was announced during a church service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, where Cook grew up.
During the Mass, a priest said Cook was an active member of the parish who regularly gave her time in service to others and remained closely connected to the church community.
He remembered her as a “tremendous bright light,” saying she brought a sense of calm, faith, and kindness to everyone she met. His remarks were shared through a livestream on the parish’s Facebook page.
Cook is survived by her parents and two siblings, the priest said.
According to former Brown University student Alex Shieh, Cook also served as vice president of the university’s Republican club. Shieh, who left the school last semester, said she stood by him when many others did not.
He said Cook was among the few students who continued to associate with him after he faced backlash for sending a DOGE-inspired email to thousands of university administrators.
“Everyone at Brown who knew Ella, regardless of their politics, found her to be friendly and kind. My thoughts are with Ella’s family. Ella was a promising young leader taken too soon,” Shieh wrote on X.
Cook was one of two students fatally shot during a finals review session on Saturday afternoon at Brown University. The second victim has not yet been identified by authorities.
In total, nine other people were injured in the shooting. Kendall Turner, a student from North Carolina, remains in critical condition, according to her high school’s statement to WRAL. The remaining eight victims are now stable, and one has already been released from the hospital.
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