R.I.P. Christina Grimmie, ‘The Voice’ Finalist and Hero to Animals

Christina Grimmie, the 22-year-old former finalist on “The Voice” who was murdered by a psychotic fan last night, wasn’t only passionate about singing. She also had a passion — and compassion — for animals.

At the time of her senseless death, Grimmie was participating in a Charity Champions League fundraiser to raise money for her favorite nonprofit, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

We have 7 days left to help! Do it for Chloe! #V2VCharityChampions @HumaneSociety! @V2V https://t.co/ymQWOMlVyU pic.twitter.com/A5vR2htU0r

— Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie) June 8, 2016

“My adopted dog Chloe is my best friend, and I’m competing in Charity Champions League on her behalf,” Grimmie said on her team page for the fundraiser. “It’s our responsibility to make sure that animals everywhere are protected and treated well, so let’s all come together for HSUS!”

Described as a “one-of-a-kind ‘giving competition’ designed to give everyone the chance to support some of the nation’s most effective nonprofit organizations—for free,” each nonprofit represented in the Charity Champions League fundraiser, which ends June 15, is guaranteed at least $5,000. The nonprofit represented by the team with the most points — earned from visiting the website, sharing it on social media, etc. — will receive an additional $250,000.

Thousands of fans appear to be paying tribute to Grimmie by joining her team. As of this morning, it had accrued over 1 million points — more than twice as many as the other teams.

“The entire universe at The Humane Society of the United States is grieving today with the family of the beloved Christina Grimmie,” its president, Wayne Pacelle, said in a statement today.

“She didn’t just possess a beautiful voice – she was a beautiful soul who used her talents to spread a message that we humans should not mete out violence to animals. We will carry her message forward, despite the pain we feel.”

At the Humane Society Gala in New York City last November, Grimmie performed “I Need a Hero” on behalf of homeless and mistreated animals. You can honor her legacy by joining Grimmie’s Charity Champions League Team, or by supporting the HSUS or animal charity of your choice — and, I strongly suggest, by supporting laws that make it easier for people with mental issues to get help, not guns.

Photo via Twitter