GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Friends and family confirm that Brooke Smith, a 24-year-old killed on Tuesday night in a deadly shooting, was a student at the University of Florida’s College of Nursing.
They say Smith was set to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in August of this year. The college sent a message to students and staff sharing condolences and resources following the tragic loss.
“The University of Florida College of Nursing learned today of the loss of one of our students. There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel as a community, or the depth of this loss.”
Smith was also an employee of Yoga Pod in Gainesville. The company closed on Wednesday and Thursday out of respect for her death.
Brook Smith, 24, a University of Florida nursing student set to graduate this summer, died in a Gainesville shooting(WCJB)Deadly Shooting in Gainesville
Gainesville Police Department officers responded to Creeks Edge Condos, on Northwest 23rd Boulevard in Gainesville, on Tuesday night on reports of gunfire. They found Smith suffering a gunshot wound. She died at the scene.
Based on information provided to investigators, they identified Xavion Perry, 31, as the suspect in the shooting. He had fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
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“Apparently, our victim was trying to end this relationship or distance herself from the suspect, and that’s what led to the altercation where she was ultimately shot,” said Art Forgey, a Public Information Officer with GPD.
Suspect Dies in Daytona Beach
Hours after Perry reportedly fled from the shooting scene in Gainesville, his vehicle was spotted in the Daytona Beach area. Authorities attempted a traffic stop, but Perry led them on a chase.
Ultimately, Perry abandoned his vehicle, ran onto a pier at the beach, and jumped. Authorities were unable to immediately find him and conducted an extensive search in the area.
RELATED: Gainesville murder suspect on the run after chase in Daytona Beach, authorities say
Officers say Perry posted a live video of himself and made suicidal statements.
The next day, a body was found washed up on shore, which the Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified as Perry.
Peaceful Paths officials say the tragedy serves as a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help. The organization provided free services, including a 24-hour hotline (Call: 352-377-8255 or Text: 352-727-0948), emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning for people experiencing abuse.
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