Two Individuals Identified in Brown University Shooting: Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov Pass Away in Lethal Shooting

 PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The second victim who lost his life in the tragic shooting at Brown University on December 13 has been confirmed as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. This incident has profoundly unsettled both the university and communities nationwide.

Relatives and friends characterized Umurzokov as a remarkably kind, intelligent, and empathetic individual whose warmth impacted everyone he encountered. He was celebrated for his humor, modesty, and his relentless eagerness to assist others without thinking twice. Those nearest to him mentioned that he routinely prioritized the needs of others over his own and acted as a positive example for both his family and community.

Umurzokov was an ambitious student aiming to become a neurosurgeon, wanting to dedicate his life to supporting and healing others someday. His inquiring nature, self-discipline, and kindness mirrored his character and the principles imparted by his family upbringing.

“Beyond being an outstanding scholar, Aziz was a cherished son, sibling, and companion,” stated his family. “He had a future brimming with potential, and his life was cut short too soon.” His passing has left what relatives described as an irreplaceable absence in the lives of his loved ones, classmates, and the wider Uzbek American community. The American Uzbekistan Association released a statement offering heartfelt condolences, showing solidarity in this time of deep sorrow and appreciating the support and prayers being sent their way.

According to family members, contributions made in Umurzokov’s honor will assist with immediate costs, while any remaining donations will go to charity in his name.

Authorities have also confirmed that the other victim was identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama. Cook was a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham, where she was celebrated as a “remarkable, grounded, faithful bright light” who consistently encouraged those around her. During Sunday services, Rev. Craig Smalley remarked on Cook’s commitment to service and her talent for inspiring both her church family and fellow students at Brown University.

The shooting took place shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday within an engineering building while final exams were taking place, one of the busiest periods within the academic calendar. Besides the two deceased, nine individuals sustained injuries. University representatives indicated that one victim had been discharged from the hospital, seven are still hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and another remains in critical condition.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez mentioned on Sunday that no charges have been brought forward and the investigation is still active. A previously apprehended person of interest, Benjamin Warren Erickson, was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, but was released after officials established he was not connected to the incident. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged that initial evidence seemed to indicate otherwise but later proved inaccurate, criticizing the hasty public disclosure of Erickson’s identity and the lasting negative effects such information can have.