Angela Weiss/Getty Images Christina Grimmie was more than just an opening act for the pop-rock group Before You Exit: She was, as they described her, "an angel, sister and a beloved friend" the the guys and their crew.
On Monday, two days after the former Voice contestant and YouTube star was fatally shot outside Orlando's Plaza Live, the band returned to pick up their gear, the venue confirms to E! News. Merchandise manager Anthony Najarian tweeted about his return to the place where Grimmie spent her final moments, writing, "So hard going back to the venue today to get our gear. We left the lights on in your green room and prayed over the area of your death. I will love you for all eternity and can't wait to see you again and have an epic Smash battle."
Najarian shared a picture of flowers and a heart that reads "Radiate" placed in what appears to be the inside of Grimmie's dressing room.
The previous day, members of the Before You Exit tour reunited in honor of their fallen friend and tourmate. Najarian tweeted an image of the group, writing, "Wishing you were here with us, but joyful knowing we are here for you all together. "God is good all the time."
The Orlando-based band, comprised of members Connor McDonough, Riley McDonough and Toby McDonough, released a heartbreaking statement following Grimmie's death.
Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina pic.twitter.com/EkwTKsaLFr
— Before You Exit? (@beforeyouexit) June 11, 2016
Grimmie's former Voice coach Adam Levine has offered to pay for her funeral and mother's travel expenses. The late singer's manager Brian Teefey set up a GoFundMe page to help with additional expenses incurred by Grimmie's family.
—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua