Ariana Grande Fans Mourn Bombing Victims as First Fatality Identified
The first victim of a concert bombing at Ariana Grande's May 22 show in Manchester, England has been identified, and fans are remembering 18-year-old Georgina Callander as a beloved member of the singer's community.
Callander was one of more than 20 killed in an attack at the end of Grande's show, at which point police suspect a lone attacker detonated an IED as fans exited the Manchester Arena, killing himself in the process. Nearly 60 people have also reportedly been injured by the blasts, according to CNN.
“Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school,” a rep at Runshaw College in Leyland, where Callander was a student, said in a statement, according to People. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Georgina’s family at this terrible time, and we think especially of her brothers Harry and Daniel who are also former students of the school.”
Callander had tweeted excitement for the show just a day before Grande's performance. She met the singer two years ago and took a photo with her, which she captioned "My meet and greet photos came through, [Grande] was so cute and lovely, I hugged her so tight and she said she loved my bow. I can't get over this, I never will."
And fellow fans, who knew Callander's connection to Grande, left social media memorials to honor their friend.
The Standard reports that Callander was rushed to the hospital immediately after the attack, where she died with her mother by her bedside.
Photos From Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman Tour: