Monday evening terror struck at the Manchester Arena in Britain where an explosion went off as concert goers were leaving a performance by pop star Ariana Grande. The blast killed 22 people and injured at least 59 others.
In the wake of the madness, families are searching for loved ones who were supposed to be at the concert. However, on Tuesday morning, one family received devastating news. Tragically, the first of much more to come.
According to reports by The Telegraph, 18-year-old Georgina Callander from Whittle-le-Woods in Lancashire is the first fatality of the attack to be identified.
https://www.facebook.com/1889042501367904/photos/a.1889070211365133.1073741827.1889042501367904/1889070008031820/?type=3&theater
The Telegraph reports her college confirmed her death, writing:
“It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students here at Runshaw College.
Georgina Callander was a former Bishop Rawstorne pupil studying with us on the second year of her Health and Social Care course.
Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss. We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team.”
Callander was a devoted fan of Grande and met the singer in 2015.
We unfortunately lost one of our own Arianators. Please keep Georgina Callander in your prayers. ?? #LightACandleForGeorgina pic.twitter.com/OUUYcmE6iH
— Ariana Grande Today (@ArianaToday) May 23, 2017
Just before the concert, Callander tweeted about how excited she was to see the singer again:
SO EXCITED TO SEE U TOMORROW
— gina ? today! (@emiliesatwell) May 21, 2017
According to The Evening Standard, the teen passed away at the hospital with her mother at her side.
Friends of the teen have shared what an amazing and caring person Callander was.
During an interview with The Standard, 17-year-old Shelby Wharton said she was “kind and loving,” adding:
“We were all praying for her to be found safely. Then we were told she had passed away. She was always very open, would talk to everyone. She was so nice. It does not feel real. I just pray for her family.”
Another friend took to social media to post a tribute:
Rest in peace Gina. I love you so incredibly much, you deserved the world & more. I'm so lucky to have met you and known you ? #manchester pic.twitter.com/sPrHq9I6M0
— liana (@lianasarfati) May 23, 2017
Sadly, the suffering Callander family is currently going through will be shared by many others whose loved ones were victims of the deadly attack.