Charlie Kirk — a pro-Trump conservative figure and a MAGA influencer who was killed in Utah on Wednesday afternoon — is survived by his wife, a former pageant winner, and their two young children. Kirk was shot in the neck during a Utah rally and was rushed to the hospital but didn't survive.
The 31-year-old Turning Point USA CEO leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve — a model, ministry leader, and former Regis University women's basketball player who won the title of Miss Arizona in 2012, according to her website. Frantzve, 36, is also the host of the faith-based podcast Midweek Rise Up and describes herself as a "multidimensional philanthropist and social entrepreneur."
Star in Her Own Right
"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 reads.
"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."
Erika Frantzve, who earned her Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Liberty University, also launched PROCLAIM — a U.S.-made faith-based clothing brand that she says was created to "empower individuals to wear their faith with confidence."
She and Charlie married in 2021 and built a young family together, raising a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, as seen on 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 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."
Loving Wife and Mother
Erika Frantzve's Instagram page is filled with loving posts about her late husband — including touching videos of Charlie spending tender moments with their two little ones. "My husband Charlie Kirk is a force," she says in one video.
"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 even posted a sweet video for her 510,000-plus followers showing Charlie picking out tiny purple sandals for their daughter, captioning it with a simple, loving message: "Thank you for being the best."
Kirk was killed on stage on Wednesday afternoon while leading a Q&A session during his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Witnesses say he had just started responding to a question about mass shootings involving transgender people when a bullet struck him in the neck from nearly 200 yards away. The sudden gunfire sent the packed crowd of thousands into chaos, according to sources and a wave of posts on social media.
A chilling video from the scene shows Kirk jolting backward, clutching his neck in pain as the sound of a single gunshot echoed through the crowd.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery, but he ultimately didn't survive his devastating injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Kirk's killer is still on the loose. Earlier reports had claimed a suspect was in custody, but police later corrected that information.
