On Monday, friends and family will gather to honor Ella Cook, a bright 19-year-old shot at Brown University. Dressed in vibrant Easter colors, they will remember her as a young woman whose life ended too soon.
Ella was a sophomore, passionate about French, math, and economics. Tragically, she was killed in a mass shooting that also claimed the life of first-year student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov.
The funeral service will be held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, starting at 11 a.m. on December 22. Family will have a private burial. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed online.
Ella, born on July 18, 2006, in Birmingham, graduated high school in Mountain Brook, Alabama, before attending Brown. She was a lifelong member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, where her reverend described her as a “bright light.” She was known for her kindness, love for others, and deep-rooted faith.
From playing the piano to exploring nature and teaching, Ella led an enriched life. Her obituary states she attracted friends due to her genuine care for people. She was actively involved at Brown, joining the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and serving as vice president of the Republican Club. President Christine Paxson praised her intellectual curiosity.
Ella’s leadership style was described as gentle yet impactful. Her brother highlighted her quiet strength, while her sister called her “the best big sister ever.”
Ella’s absence leaves a significant void. The community is encouraged to honor her memory by donating to the children’s ministry at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.
Mass shootings like the one at Brown University have become alarmingly common. According to the Gun Violence Archive, over 600 mass shootings occurred in the U.S. in 2022 alone. This stark statistic shows a troubling trend, raising serious questions about safety on college campuses.
Ella’s legacy is not just about who she was but the brighter world she envisioned. Her family and friends will carry her spirit forward.
For more information on honoring Ella’s memory, visit the Cathedral Church of the Advent.
In a world struggling with loss, let’s remember the light she brought into it.
