Selena Gomez's stepdad raises more than $100,000 for Christina Grimmie's family


June 13, 2016

Selena Gomez's stepfather has helped to raise more than $100,000 for the family of Christina Grimmie. Brian Teefey, who was Christina's manager, created a GoFundMe page following the tragic death of the star, who he said was like "a second daughter" to him. He had hoped to raise $4,000 – but in just 24 hours some 4,178 donors had helped him surpass that goal, bringing in $108,842.Writing on the GoFundMe page under the headline 'Support the Grimmie Family', Brian wrote: "Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling. I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me.

Brian Teefey, pictured with Selena and her mum, set up a fundraising page to help Christina's grieving family

"All I wanted to do was assist her in achieving her musical dreams while protecting her from the pitfalls associated with the business. I never could have imagined this horrific event being one of the pitfalls needing to be avoided.

CELEBRITY DEATHS IN 2016: FAMOUS FACES GONE TOO SOON"In Christina's honour I have created a GoFundMe page to assist her family in their time of need. As family mother, father and brother made the ultimate family sacrifice to support Christina on her musical journey. They did nothing but love her and support her as a family the best they knew how, the only worry I want them to have at this point is that of recovery. Grimms I love you, and miss you beyond comprehension."

Christina, 22, was tragically shot while signing autographs during a meet and greet

Christina, 22, was shot late on Friday night as she signed autographs during a meet and greet following a concert in Orlando, and passed away the next day. Selena herself has paid tribute to the singer a number of times since her death. Shortly after the news was confirmed, she shared a photo of the pair together, with the message: "My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina."

The 23-year-old also broke down in tears at her concert on Saturday night as she paid tribute to her late friend. Selena become emotional while performing her song Nobody, and mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to the crowd. She then regained her composure to talk about Christina, who came third in the 2014 season of The Voice.

Selena paid tribute to her late friend on Twitter

"When she was 14, we met her and my parents and I signed her," Selena said, her voice quivering as she spoke. "One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her. And I think it's not about a religion and it's not about anything or good deeds. It's just that she had faith, and I don't really understand how this really happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her."

Seated at a piano, Selena then delivered a moving version of Hillsong Worship's song Transfiguration in Christina's memory.

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