Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative commentator, was tragically shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The activist, best known as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, leaves behind his wife and their two young children. His sudden death has left supporters, colleagues, and critics alike stunned, with many reflecting on his final public photo, shared just days before the tragedy—a post that now carries heartbreaking weight.
A Fierce Voice, A Family Man
Throughout his career, Charlie Kirk became recognized as a strong pro-Trump advocate and an outspoken defender of conservative and traditional values. He spent much of his time sparring with critics on college campuses, particularly during his American Comeback Tour. At Utah Valley University—the very venue where he lost his life—he had once faced intense pushback, including a petition with over 7,000 signatures opposing his appearance.
Kirk was known for his unfiltered commentary on issues like crime and mass shootings, always tying his arguments to the Second Amendment. Yet, beyond the political spotlight, his family insists that the role that mattered most to him was being a devoted husband and father.
Tragically, his wife Erika and their children were present in the audience during the Utah Valley event. Though they escaped unharmed, Charlie was critically wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away roughly 90 minutes later.
Meeting Erika — A Life-Changing Dinner
Charlie met Erika in 2018 during what he later described as a “very, very long dinner,” recalling in a 2024 Turning Point USA video that he knew “almost immediately” she was the one. Erika herself shared her perspective in a 2023 Instagram post, calling that first date the moment that “changed everything.”
By December 2020, Charlie proposed. Erika announced the engagement with a photo of the two embracing as Charlie knelt before her. On May 8, 2021, they were married in Scottsdale, Arizona, in what Erika would later describe as a “very intimate” wedding—no bridal party, only their closest loved ones surrounding them.
Erika’s Journey
Long before becoming Charlie’s wife, Erika had already built an accomplished résumé. Crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, she also pursued academics and athletics. She played basketball at Regis University before transferring to Arizona State University, where she studied political science and international relations. She later earned a master’s degree and began doctoral studies at Liberty University.
In addition to supporting Charlie at Turning Point USA events, Erika carved her own career path. She launched the Midweek Rise Up podcast, founded the Christian apparel brand PROCLAIM, and heads the BIBLE365 ministry program. More recently, as of 2025, she began working in real estate as an agent with the Corcoran Group in New York City.
Growing Family
Charlie and Erika welcomed two children together. Their daughter was born on August 23, 2022, followed by their son in May 2024. Charlie proudly introduced their newborn son to the world with a photo of himself cradling the baby in the hospital. Just weeks before his death, the family had joyfully celebrated their daughter’s third birthday.
Despite his prominence in public life, Charlie was protective of his children’s privacy. In a June 2025 video, he firmly stated: “We have a girl and a boy, and it’s no one’s business what their names are or what their faces look like.”
A Final Message
The last public photo Charlie Kirk shared was posted on September 1, featuring him with his 1-year-old son. Alongside the image, he wrote words that now resonate with painful poignancy: “God. Family. Country. In that order.”
Though his life was cut tragically short, Charlie Kirk leaves behind not only a political legacy but also the enduring memory of his devotion to his wife and children—a devotion his family and supporters believe will live on forever.