Charlie Kirk — a MAGA conservative influencer and close ally of President Trump who was assassinated in Utah on Wednesday — leaves behind his wife, a former beauty queen, and their two young children.
The slain 31-year-old CEO of Turning Point USA was married to Erika Frantzve, a model, ministry leader, and former NCAA women’s basketball player at Regis University who was crowned Miss Arizona in 2012, according to her website.
Frantzve, 36, also hosts podcast “Midweek Rise Up,” a devotional series, and calls herself a “multidimensional philanthropist and social entrepreneur.”
“Erika Kirk is a driven social entrepreneur, passionate ministry leader, and woman of deep faith whose life has been shaped by her global experiences and unwavering commitment to purpose,” her bio says.
“From New York City to China, Erika has worked in the entertainment industry as a model, actress, and casting director, all while remaining grounded in her Christian faith. Her bold spirit and belief in God’s guidance have propelled her to pursue various impactful ventures.”
Frantzve, who received her doctorate in biblical studies from Liberty University, also created PROCLAIM, a faith-based clothing line made in the USA that “reflects her vision of empowering individuals to wear their faith with confidence.”
The pair, who married in 2021, share two young children — a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, according to their social media.
“Above all, Erika cherishes her role as the wife of Charlie Kirk and the mother of their precious son and daughter,” her website bio reads.
“As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith, and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life.”
Frantzve’s Instagram page is filled with gushing posts about her late husband, including heartwarming videos of him with their two children.
“My husband Charlie Kirk is a force,” she says in one clip. “He is bold when the world demands silence, he is fearless where others flinch, and he has taken on the battle of the next generation, changing these hearts and minds.”
She also shared with her more than 510,000 followers a touching video of Kirk buying their adorable daughter little purple sandals, writing: “Thank you for being the best.”
Kirk was shot dead while on stage conducting a Q&A session during his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday afternoon.
He was answering an audience question about mass shootings committed by transgender people when he was struck in the neck by the fatal bullet from roughly 200 yards away with a long gun, sending thousands of spectators into a panic, according to sources and a flurry of social media posts.
Kirk jerked back and appeared to recoil in pain and grab at his neck as the crack of a single gunshot rang out from the crowd, a harrowing video from the scene shows.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but succumbed to his critical injuries.
Kirk’s assassin is not in custody and remains at large, according to reports.
Earlier reports said the suspect had been captured, but police have refuted that claim.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social following the fatal attack.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
