Hundreds gathered in a sea of pastel “Easter colors” to bid a devastating goodbye to 19-year-old Brown University sophomore Ella Cook, whose promising life was cut short in the December 13, 2025, campus shooting. At the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama—her lifelong family church—mourners wept openly as Ella’s parents, Anna Bishop Cook and Richard Cook, along with her two younger siblings, clutched framed photos of their beloved daughter and sister, embracing them tightly in raw displays of grief during the poignant service.

Ella, a bright and faith-filled student from the affluent Mountain Brook suburb, was remembered as “smart, confident, curious, kind, principled, brave”—words from a professor’s letter read aloud by Rev. Paul F.M. Zahl. Nicknamed “Ellabama” on campus for her proud Southern roots, she was studying French, mathematics, and economics, excelling as an accomplished pianist and vice president of Brown’s College Republicans. Her deep Christian faith shone brightly; the family requested pastel attire to honor her beliefs and the approaching Christmas season.

The Episcopal service blended sorrow with celebration of Ella’s “quiet leadership” and selfless love, especially for children. Letters from Brown classmates and faculty highlighted her profound impact in just three semesters, with one noting the need for an “Alabama to Brown pipeline.” Rev. Zahl shared a dream of skiing behind the Cook family, where Ella turned and urged, “Come on, will you?”—a metaphor for her enduring spirit pulling loved ones forward.

Ella perished alongside freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov when a gunman entered a finals review session in an engineering building, also injuring nine others. The tragedy shocked the nation, amplifying calls for campus safety amid ongoing investigations.

Back in Alabama, the community mourned a girl who radiated joy through her smile, piano playing, dance, and devotion to others. Her obituary spoke of “personal magic” in her openness, encouragement, and courage. Donations were requested for the church’s children’s ministry, reflecting her passion.

As the service ended with prayers for healing, Ella’s family held her image close—one final embrace before private burial. This farewell underscored a life’s brilliance extinguished too soon, leaving an eternal legacy of love and faith that continues to inspire.