A freshman cheerleader was killed in a violent shooting while visiting her best friend at a Halloween house party in Bloomington, Illinois.
Giana Dettloff, 19, was at a Halloween house party around 1.30am when she was killed in the mass shooting, near Illinois Wesleyan University, on November 1.
Dettloff was a Carol Stream resident who attended North Central College in Naperville and was visiting her best friend to celebrate the holiday.
According to Bloomington Police Department, between 150 and 200 people were gathered in a shared backyard between houses when gunfire erupted. An officer nearby reported about ten shots were heard and up to eight people were found injured ranging from 16 to 22 years old.
Authorities reported Dettloff suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and pelvis before she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After emergency responders arrived at the house, the eight injured people were immediately transported to nearby hospitals to receive medical treatment.
'For a parent, sending a child off to college is filled with pride, hope, and excitement for the journey ahead. To have that journey cut short in such a tragic way is a parent's worst nightmare. Our hearts are with Giana's family, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy,' said Police Chief Jamal Simington in a media release.
'We also ask our community to keep Giana's loved ones in their thoughts and respect their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.'
Giana Dettloff, 19, was at a Halloween house party around 1.30am when she was killed in a mass shooting, near Illinois Wesleyan University, on November 1. Source: Facebook/@North Central College
Dettloff was a part of the Carol Stream Panthers cheerleading group for up to 13 years, where she spent the majority of her childhood learning the sport. Source: Instagram/@Glenbard North High School
Dettloff was a Carol Stream resident who graduated from Glenbard North High School and was visiting her best friend to celebrate the holiday. Source: Facebook/@North Central College
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At this time, no arrests have been made as the investigation remains ongoing.
'My heart hurts so much making this post because it's not fair and you should still be here. You had so much more life to live. My baby G, my cousin who was always like another little sister to me was taken way too soon,' Kyla Johnson, Dettloff's cousin, wrote in a Facebook statement.
Dettloff was a part of the Carol Stream Panthers cheerleading group for up to 13 years, where she spent the majority of her childhood learning the sport. She then spent four years as a junior coach teaching young kids how to cheer.
'Giana was so much more than a cheerleader and coach. She was an incredible mentor, a wonderful friend, and someone who poured her heart and soul into the girls she coached. She made a lasting impact on the athletes, families, coaches, and everyone fortunate enough to know her,' Carol Stream Panthers Cheerleading wrote in a Facebook post.
A North Central College spokesperson described Dettloff as 'a vibrant first-year student and beloved member of the North Central cheerleading team.'
'No words can ease the pain of her loss, but please know that we mourn with you and are here to support you. Our hearts are also with those injured in the shooting and their loved ones,' wrote President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá of North Central in the social media statement.
The Dettloff family has since started a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise money for her memorial expenses and any hardships while they navigate their unexpected loss.
'Our hope is to ease some of these burdens so that the family can focus on grieving, remembering their beautiful Gi, and being surrounded by the people who love her,' wrote the fundraiser statement.
A North Central College spokesperson described Dettloff as 'a vibrant first-year student and beloved member of the North Central cheerleading team.' Source: Facebook/@George Dettloff
Dettloff, (right) alongside her cousin, Kyla Johnson, (left) who said she was 'always like another little sister to me' and 'was taken way too soon' in a Facebook post. Source: Facebook/@Kyla Johnson
According to Bloomington Police Department, between 150 and 200 people were gathered in a shared backyard between houses on 100 block of East Division Street where the shooting occurred
An officer nearby reported about ten shots were heard and up to eight people were found injured ranging from 16 to 22 years old at the shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University. Source: Facebook/@Illinois Wesleyan University
They have raised nearly $90,000 of their $115,000 goal, as of Tuesday evening.
The North Central College has announced a public visitation will be held on November 5 at Glenbard North High School and have encouraged those attending to wear pink in celebration of Dettloff's life.
The Bloomington Police Department have asked local residents to review any potential evidence they may have including home security footage, cell phone photos or videos and dash camera recordings to aid their investigation.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Bloomington Police Department, Kristyn Lawrence, the fundraiser organizer, and Kyla Johnson for comments.
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