In a poignant and tear-jerking recollection that has touched hearts nationwide, the mother of Ella Cook, the 19-year-old sophomore tragically killed in the Brown University shooting on December 13, 2025, shared memories of their last joyful phone conversation just hours before the senseless attack. Ella, the only female victim among the two fatalities and nine injured, was described by her devastated mom as a “bright light” whose laughter and excitement about upcoming exams and holiday plans filled the call with warmth. This final exchange, brimming with love and normalcy, now stands as a cherished yet agonizing reminder of a vibrant life cut short in a classroom massacre that has shaken the Ivy League community and reignited national debates on campus safety.
Ella Cook, from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was a standout student majoring in mathematics-economics and French, known for her fluency in the language, accomplished piano skills, and deep faith. Active on campus as vice president of the Brown College Republicans and a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she embodied kindness and courage, often called “Ellabama” by friends for her proud Southern roots. Her church, the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, hailed her as an “incredibly grounded and generous” soul who served faithfully in children’s ministry. The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. in the Barus and Holley engineering building during a review session for finals, where a masked gunman opened fire, killing Ella and freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan, while wounding others in a chaotic scene of panic and escape.
The perpetrator, identified as 48-year-old former Brown physics graduate student Cláudio Manuel Neves Valente, a Portuguese national, fled the scene and later died by suicide in a New Hampshire storage unit on December 16, also linked to the murder of an MIT professor. His motives remain under investigation, tied perhaps to academic pressures from his time at the university. The attack, part of America’s ongoing epidemic of gun violence—with over 389 mass shootings in 2025 alone—prompted swift responses: Brown canceled remaining exams, offered counseling, and held vigils, while leaders like President Christina Paxson mourned the “brilliant and beloved” students whose promise was extinguished too soon.
Ella’s mom, speaking through family statements and church tributes, recounted how their last talk revolved around everyday joys—Ella’s enthusiasm for her studies, plans to come home for Christmas, and lighthearted family banter. “She was so full of life, excited about the future,” the family reflected in her obituary, emphasizing her “personal magic” through quiet smiles, openness to challenges, and heartfelt Christian faith. Friends echoed this, describing her as protective, selfless, and a beacon of encouragement. A funeral service on December 22 in Birmingham drew hundreds, singing carols and praying for healing, with donations directed to children’s ministry in her honor.
This tragedy has amplified calls for gun reform, with survivors—including some who endured prior school shootings—voicing anger and demands for change. Brown’s community, resilient yet scarred, plans permanent memorials for Ella and Mukhammad, fostering unity amid grief. As disinformation swirled online and political figures weighed in, the focus remains on honoring lives lost: Ella’s legacy of faith, kindness, and boldness inspires reflection on preventing such horrors.
In a season meant for joy, Ella’s story reminds us of fragility and the enduring power of love. Her mom’s recollection of that final, happy call offers solace—a testament to a daughter whose light continues to shine.
