‘There are no words’: Nursing student set to graduate this summer dies in shooting

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Loved ones say a nursing student in Florida lost her life in a shooting earlier this week.

Friends and family confirm that Brooke Smith, 24, was the person who was found shot and killed Tuesday night at an area condo complex.

Smith was set to graduate from the University of Florida with her bachelor’s degree in nursing this August, her family shared.

The college sent a message to students and staff sharing condolences.

“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,” UF College of Nursing said in a statement.

Smith was also an employee of Yoga Pod in Gainesville. The company closed on Wednesday and Thursday out of respect for her death.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, a woman, later identified as Smith, was found suffering from a gunshot wound at the Creeks Edge Condos. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said they identified Xavion Perry, 31, as the suspect in the shooting.

“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,” Art Forgey, a public information officer with Gainesville police, said.

Florida authorities said Perry took off from the area before authorities spotted him driving near Daytona Beach.

The 31-year-old ended up leading police on a chase. He ultimately 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.

On Wednesday, a body was found washed up on shore, which the medical examiner positively identified as Perry.

Officials said Perry was streaming on social media during the chase and making suicidal comments. They added that he had a previous criminal history, including charges of grand theft, domestic violence and resisting an officer.

“We know that when people are about to leave a relationship, that can actually be one of the most dangerous times, and if we think about that power in control, if someone sees that they’re losing control, things can definitely escalate,” Crystal Sorrow, with Peaceful Paths, shared.