The two Brown University students killed in Saturday’s campus shooting have been identified as sophomore Ella Cook, 19, from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Uzbekistan living in Virginia.
Cook grew up in suburban Birmingham, where she excelled as a pianist, spoke fluent French, and belonged to her high school’s French Honor Society. Classmates recalled her as studious, humble, kind, and exceptionally talented on the piano. She worked summers at a local ice cream shop and as a program assistant for university study abroad initiatives.
At Brown, Cook served as vice president of the College Republicans, earning praise across political lines for her friendliness.
Her pastor at Cathedral Church of the Advent described her as an “incredibly grounded and generous and faithful” person and a “tremendous bright light” who encouraged others.
Umurzokov immigrated with his family in 2011 and became a naturalized citizen. A scholarship recipient at Brown, he graduated from Midlothian High School in Virginia and chose the university for its generous aid package.
He aspired to neurosurgery, inspired by his own eight-hour brain surgery at age 10. Relatives called him gentle, extroverted, funny, smart, and always helpful, with a sharp intellect and quiet generosity.
“He was incredibly kind, funny, and smart. He had big dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon and helping people. He continues to be my family’s biggest role model in all aspects,” the family wrote on GoFundMe. “He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation, and was the most kind-hearted person our family knew.”
The American Uzbekistan Association hailed him as “bright and promising,” reflecting his character and community values.
His roommate remembered him as a “ball of joy” whose “soul reverberated throughout the community,” The Hill reported.
Both students were in a review session for introductory economics when the masked gunman entered around 4 p.m., shouted unintelligibly, and opened fire. Nine others were injured, including Kendall Turner from North Carolina, who is in critical condition.
Police continued Monday seeking video evidence door-to-door near College Hill, releasing footage of a dark-clad figure who they believe may be the shooter.
A Wisconsin man who was detained shortly after the shooting has been released after police determined that he was not connected to the case, and no other arrests have been made.
“We know that this is likely to cause fresh anxiety for our community,” Mayor Brett Smiley said, per the New York Times.
Students departed early for the break amid lingering fears, with some nearby schools closed.
