ABC News February 21, 2023

Slain MSU student Arielle Anderson dreamed of becoming a surgeon. But 'her future was robbed,' Gov. Whitmer says at funeral

WATCH: Slain MSU student was a ‘beautiful, young soul': Gov. Whitmer
By Emily Shapiro

Arielle Anderson, a 19-year-old Michigan State University student gunned down on campus, dreamed of becoming a surgeon.

She even planned to graduate early to get a head start on her career, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at her funeral Tuesday.

Paul Sancya/AP
Flowers are shown near a photo of Michigan State University shooting victim Arielle Anderson at a funeral in Detroit, Feb. 21, 2023. Anderson, Alexandria Verner and Brian Fraser and were killed and several other students injured after a gunman opened fire on the campus of Michigan State University.
Paul Sancya/AP
A mourner hugs Jerome Lloyd-Anderson and Dawana Davis, father and mother of Michigan State University shooting victim Arielle Anderson at a funeral in Detroit, Feb. 21, 2023.

But "her future was robbed from her by a senseless act of violence," the governor said at the service at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit.

Anderson was one of three students shot and killed on Feb. 13. Five others were injured. The suspected gunman was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Family of Arielle Anderson
Arielle Anderson, on of the victims of the Michigan State University shooting, is shown in this undated photo.

"While her life was cut short in the cruelest of ways, her impact is undeniable as I look around this church, as I listen to stories," Whitmer said.

The teenager who loved photography and her family had "wisdom beyond her years," the governor said.

Whitmer said Anderson had a "quiet confidence" and was known for her "loud compassion."

Paul Sancya/AP
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the funeral for Michigan State University shooting victim Arielle Anderson in Detroit, Feb. 21, 2023.
MORE: Michigan State mass shooting victims: What to know about 3 lives lost

In middle school, Anderson "led by example" and "was an advocate of making sure everyone belonged," Roy Bishop Jr., deputy superintendent of Educational Services for Grosse Pointe Public Schools, said at the service. Two of the three victims of the shooting, including Anderson, were from Grosse Point.

Bishop called her drive and compassion inspirational.

In eighth grade mock elections, Anderson was voted most likely to succeed, and Bishop said "she would go on to do just that."

When Anderson headed to high school, she announced she'd become a doctor, Bishop said.

Scott Olson/Getty Images, FILE
Current and former students from Michigan State University and their supporters attend a rally outside of the state Capitol Building, Feb. 15, 2023 in Lansing, Mich.
MORE: Classes resuming at Michigan State University after on-campus shooting left 3 dead, 5 injured

In a college recommendation letter, Bishop said one of Anderson's teachers described her as "hard-working, dedicated, talented and driven," as well as "compassionate, thoughtful and mature."

"She embraced her middle name, Diamond," Bishop said. "She shined so bright for everyone to see."

"Arielle's life, her impact, her mere presence, has changed the world for the better," Bishop said.

The 19-year-old is survived by her mother, father, grandparents, siblings and a great-grandmother.

Anderson was very close with her mom and had a special bond with her aunt, who has special needs and is nonverbal, her family said.

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