The grieving family of a New Jersey teenager killed by a stray bullet on her college campus in Nashville has paid tribute to a “beautiful soul” – with her mother saying a part of her own heart has been taken away by the loss.
Jillian Ludwig, 18, a freshman at Belmont University, died overnight Thursday, two days after she was first found struck in the back of the head by a round allegedly fired by a career criminal.
“There was a piece of my heart that was taken from me,” Ludwig’s mother, Jessica, told WKRN-TV.
The murdered teenager’s father, Matt, said: “It’s a bit hard to understand. He developed well and did well in many ways, in every way.
“For everything to change so suddenly — it’s, it’s hard, it’s hard to process. It is not impossible to process,” he added.
The family raced to Vanderbilt University Medical Center as their daughter initially fought for her life, before succumbing to her injuries, WSMV reported.
Jillian Ludwig (center) with her parents, Matt and Jessica. Family Handout
His aunt Geri Wainwright sent a message to the outlet shortly before the family received the devastating news that he had died.
“Jillian had such a beautiful soul,” Wainwright wrote. “His smile lit up any room and he was loved by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Jillian Ludwig is an accomplished musician who performs regularly in her native New Jersey.Facebook / Jillian Ludwig
“Fierce Jillian. He lives every day with passion. Her courage, spontaneity, love of laughter, kindness and compassion make her irreplaceable to our family. Losing him will change our lives forever,” Wainwright wrote at the time.
“We send our girls out into the world to do amazing things. If given the chance, he would. So we have to ask, why is this man free?” he continued.
“What kind of world do we live in where it’s not safe to walk near your college dorm during the day? How could someone carelessly dim the light of a star destined to shine so brightly?” added the aunt.
Ludwig was hit by a stray bullet as he walked near his Nashville campus. Metro Nashville Police Department
Ludwig, a graduate of Wall High School in New Jersey, was “an outstanding student, musician, and vocalist,” he said.
“He chose to study Music Business at Belmont University. He loved the short time he spent at Belmont. He loved his life, his friends, his parents and his brothers, Shane & Trevor,” added Wainwright.
On Thursday, the Wall Township Committee sent a letter to the community, remembering Ludwig and offering mental health resources, according to WKRN.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic and untimely death of Jillian Ludwig. Jillian is an incredible young leader in our community,” he wrote.
“She graced us with her beautiful voice to sing the National Anthem at many township community events. Jillian is a member of the Wall Township Young Women’s Leadership Committee and is the recipient of the 2023 Women’s Leadership Committee Scholarship Award,” the local committee said.
Ludwig performed at venues around his New Jersey community, playing bass and guitar along with singing during the Asbury Park Porch Fest and Red Bank in New Jersey, The Tennessean reported.
His first show was more than two years ago, when he performed at The Saint in Asbury Park with his band Arcadia.
Accused shooter Shaquille TaylorMetro Nashville Police Department
Ludwig was shot about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday while walking in Edgehill Community Memorial Park in Nashville.
Shaquille Taylor, 29, allegedly opened fire on a car from a public housing complex across the street – hitting it as it walked on the tracks, police said.
Surveillance video and witnesses led police to the suspected gunman, who admitted to opening fire, police said. He has been charged in previous shootings – but was released from custody earlier this year after being deemed incompetent to stand trial.
The suspect is accused of giving the gun to someone else after Tuesday’s shooting, The Tennessean reported, citing court records. His girlfriend also told investigators that he confessed to her that he was involved in the shooting, according to police records cited by the newspaper.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
