Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative commentator, was tragically shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
The activist, who co-founded Turning Point USA, leaves behind his wife and their two young children.
Now, the final photo Kirk shared publicly just days before his death has taken on heartbreaking new meaning — and is leaving many in mourning.
Met his wife in 2018
Charlie Kirk, remembered as a fierce pro-Trump voice and defender of traditional values, spent much of his career sparring with opponents on college campuses during his American Comeback Tour. At Utah Valley University, where he was killed, he had previously faced strong pushback — including a petition signed by more than 7,000 people calling to block him from speaking.
Kirk was outspoken about issues like crime and mass shootings, always tying his arguments back to the Second Amendment. But beyond politics, he was first and foremost a devoted husband and father — a role his family says defined him most.
There’s no doubt Charlie was incredibly close to his family. Tragically, both his wife and children were at Utah Valley University to watch him speak when he was shot, according to the BBC. Thankfully, they escaped unharmed, but Charlie could not be saved.
He passed away at a nearby hospital roughly 90 minutes after being shot.
A very intimate ceremony
Charlie met his wife, 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 reflected on that night in a 2023 Instagram post, sharing selfies of them hugging and writing about how their first date changed everything.
By December 2020, the couple was engaged. Erika announced the happy news with a photo of herself embracing Charlie while he was down on one knee. Less than a year later, on May 8, 2021, they exchanged vows in Scottsdale, Arizona, in what Erika later described on Instagram as a “very intimate” ceremony with no bridal party — only their closest family by their side.
Erika, who was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, had already built an impressive résumé before meeting Charlie. She played basketball at Regis University before transferring to Arizona State University, where she studied political science and international relations. She later went on to earn a master’s degree and pursue doctoral studies at Liberty University.
In addition to supporting her husband at Turning Point USA events, Erika carved out her own path. She launched the Midweek Rise Up podcast, founded the Christian apparel line PROCLAIM, and heads the BIBLE365 ministry program.
Two children
As of 2025, she’s pursuing a career in real estate as an agent with the Corcoran Group in New York City.
Charlie and Erika went on to welcome two children together. Their daughter was born on Aug. 23, 2022, and their son followed in May 2024. Charlie proudly shared a photo of himself cradling the newborn in the hospital to announce the birth. Just weeks before his death, the family celebrated their daughter’s third birthday.
Though outspoken in the public arena, Charlie fiercely protected his children’s privacy. In a June 2025 video, he explained: “We have a girl and a boy and it’s no one’s business what their names are or their faces.”
Last public photo
This final public photo of Charlie Kirk with his 1-year-old son was shared on September 1, just days before his untimely death. His words echo now more than ever: ”God. Family. Country. In that order.” Though his life was cut tragically short, his love for his family will endure forever.
Rest in Peace Charlie.
Thoughts with your family at this tragic and shocking time.
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