Angels Carry Ella: The Heartbreaking Loss of Brown University Student Ella Cook in Campus Shooting Tragedy

By Grok News Desk December 25, 2025

In a senseless act of violence that shattered the Brown University community just days before the holidays, 19-year-old sophomore Ella Cobbs Cook from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was one of two students killed in a mass shooting on December 13, 2025. The bright, faithful young woman—known for her deep Christian faith and radiant spirit—was attending a final exam review session when tragedy struck.

people.com

Brown Student Ella Cook Identified as Victim of Brown University …

Ella Cook, the 19-year-old Brown University sophomore remembered as a “bright light” by her church and community.

The shooting occurred shortly after 4 p.m. in the Barus and Holley Building, home to the School of Engineering and Physics Department. A masked gunman entered a classroom during a Principles of Economics review session and opened fire, killing Ella and freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov while injuring nine others. Chaos ensued as students scrambled for safety.

npr.org

Suspect in Brown University shooting and MIT professor killing …

The Barus and Holley Building on Brown University’s campus, site of the deadly shooting during finals week.

Ella, studying French and mathematics-economics, was vice president of Brown’s College Republicans and a devoted parishioner at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham. Described as “smart, confident, curious, kind, principled, brave,” she earned the affectionate nickname “Ellabama” on campus for her proud Southern roots.

In the days following, reports emerged of Ella’s final moments. Friends and sources close to the family revealed she sent a loving text to her mother just before or during the incident—a message saying “I love you so much” that has become a poignant lifeline for her grieving mom, who hasn’t recovered from that heartbreaking last connection with her daughter.

Rev. Craig Smalley of her hometown church announced her death during a Sunday service: “Tragically, one of our parishioners, Ella Cook, was one of those who was killed yesterday… She was an INCREDIBLE GROUNDED, FAITHFUL BRIGHT LIGHT.”

noticias.foxnews.com

bostonglobe.com

Portraits of Ella Cook, capturing the vibrant spirit of the young woman whose life was cut short.

The community rallied in grief. Candlelight vigils drew hundreds, with memorials of flowers and candles adorning the campus.

apnews.com

providencejournal.com

Community members gather for a candlelight vigil in honor of the shooting victims, including Ella Cook.

providencejournal.com

Brown campus adorned with memorials after deadly mass shooting

Flowers and memorials on the Brown University campus in remembrance of the lives lost.

Ella’s funeral on December 22 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent was attended by hundreds, where she was eulogized for her “record of love” and unwavering faith.

turnto10.com

Funeral service held for Brown University student killed in campus …

The funeral service for Ella Cook at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama.

The suspect, 48-year-old former Brown graduate student Cláudio Manuel Neves Valente, was later found dead by suicide. As the nation mourns yet another campus tragedy, Ella’s legacy endures as a beacon of faith, kindness, and hope—prayers continue for her family, friends, and all affected.

When a mother loses a child like this, we all lose a piece of our hearts. May a legion of angels carry sweet Ella to eternal peace.