Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, died after being shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has now turned national attention not only to the investigation but also to his wife and kids. He was 31 years old.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk was hosting the first stop of his American Comeback Tour in Orem, Utah, when gunfire rang out. Witnesses described chaos as a shot struck him in the neck while he addressed the crowd under a tent in the university courtyard. Videos shared on social media show students running for cover as panic spread across campus.
Utah Valley University police later confirmed shots had been fired, and a suspect, described as an older man in a worker's uniform, was taken into custody. Kirk was rushed to the hospital. Soon after, President Donald Trump confirmed his passing.
A Wife at His Side: Erika Frantzve
While Kirk was often in the headlines for his politics, his wife, Erika Frantzve, has built her own résumé outside of his shadow. A former Miss Arizona USA, podcaster, and businesswoman, she has a Juris Master's degree from Liberty University and earned a doctorate in Christian Leadership in 2022.
The two married in May 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since then, Erika has been a visible supporter of her husband's work but also an active voice in faith-based leadership circles.
According to her bio, "her mission is her BIBLEin365 ministry program, which seeks to help individuals engage with the scriptures daily. She also serves as the host of the Midweek Rise Up podcast, a devotional series focused on Biblical leadership and empowering others to lead with integrity and purpose."
The Kirks welcomed a daughter in August 2022 and a son in May 2024. The family was very protective of the children and has avoided showing their faces in social media.
A Life Built on Faith and Politics
Charlie Kirk spent more than a decade in conservative activism. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and grew it into a powerful youth-focused political organization with chapters across campuses nationwide. He was known for his brash speaking style, frequent appearances on conservative media, and close alliance with Trump.
Yet offstage, those close to him described a quieter version of Kirk, family-oriented, deeply tied to his Christian faith, and committed to raising his children with strong values. In interviews, he often referred to fatherhood as his most meaningful role.
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