The Alabama community is mourning the loss of Ella Cook, a student from Birmingham who was killed in a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday night.
During a Sunday morning service, the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham shared the heartbreaking news with parishioners. “Some of you haven’t heard, a lot of you have heard the tragedy yesterday at Brown University, the shooting of a number of people. Tragically, one of our parishioners, Ella Cook, was one of those who was killed,” church leaders said. “Those of you who knew her know she was an incredible, grounded, faithful, bright light—not only here in Birmingham, growing up at the Advent and serving others in countless ways—but also at Brown University, where she was an incredible presence among her peers.”
Authorities reported that the shooting occurred during final exam week inside a classroom in the engineering building at Brown University. Officials told the Associated Press that a gunman opened fire, injuring multiple people.
By Sunday afternoon, authorities confirmed that one person in their 20s had been detained, though no charges had been filed at that time.
Ella Cook’s death has left her family, friends, and community members grieving. Tributes poured in from those who remembered her as a bright, compassionate, and driven young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Her memory continues to be honored by those who knew and loved her both in Birmingham and at Brown University.
