A deadly shooting in Gainesville has left the University of Florida community mourning the loss of 24-year-old Brooke Smith, a College of Nursing student who was set to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in August. Friends, family, and university officials have described her death as a devastating loss for both her loved ones and the broader academic community.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, officers responded on Tuesday night to reports of gunfire at Creeks Edge Condos on Northwest 23rd Boulevard. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Brooke Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation quickly identified a suspect, 31-year-old Xavion Perry, who had fled the area shortly after the shooting. Police stated that early information gathered at the scene suggested the incident stemmed from a domestic situation. Officials reported that Smith was attempting to end or distance herself from a relationship with Perry, which allegedly escalated into a fatal confrontation.
Gainesville Police Public Information Officer Art Forgey stated that the altercation appeared to be relationship-related, explaining that the situation escalated when Smith was trying to end contact with the suspect. Investigators believe this moment led directly to the shooting that claimed her life.
News of Smith’s death sent shockwaves through the University of Florida College of Nursing. In a public statement, the college expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that there were “no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel as a community.” Faculty and classmates described her as a dedicated student who worked hard toward her goal of becoming a nurse and serving others in the healthcare field.
The university also made support services and counseling resources available to students and staff as the campus community processes the tragedy. Many classmates shared memories of Smith as compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to helping others—qualities that made her well-suited for a future in nursing.
Outside of her studies, Brooke Smith also worked at Yoga Pod in Gainesville. Following her death, the business closed for two days as a sign of respect and mourning. Colleagues remembered her as kind, positive, and someone who brought calm energy to those around her.
Meanwhile, law enforcement efforts to locate the suspect intensified following the shooting. Authorities later tracked Perry to the Daytona Beach area, where officers attempted a traffic stop. Perry fled, leading police on a pursuit before eventually abandoning his vehicle and running onto a pier near the shoreline.
According to officials, Perry then jumped into the water. A large search operation was launched involving multiple agencies. During this time, investigators also reported that Perry had posted a live video and made suicidal statements, raising additional concerns about his safety.
The following day, a body was recovered on the shore. The Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the identity as Xavion Perry, bringing the search to an end. Authorities continue to review the full sequence of events leading up to both deaths.
Community organizations, including Peaceful Paths, have emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs in abusive or controlling relationships and encouraging individuals to seek help early. Advocates say the tragedy highlights how quickly domestic disputes can escalate into irreversible violence.
As Gainesville mourns, tributes continue to pour in for Brooke Smith, a young woman remembered for her ambition, kindness, and dedication to a future in nursing. Her loss has left a profound impact on her university, workplace, and community, where she was seen as someone with a bright future ahead.
Authorities have closed the immediate criminal investigation into the suspect’s whereabouts, but the broader review of the case remains ongoing as officials work to fully document the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting.