One was on the brink of earning dual degrees and starting a prestigious job. Another was a mixed martial arts fighter whose grit was matched by his humor and charm. Another was a teenager with a bright future ahead.
Their lives intersected at the end when they werekilled in a mass shootingin Austin's bustling Sixth Street entertainment district.
"These were young people with their whole lives ahead of them," saidBuford's Backyard Beer Garden, near the site of the shootings.
Another 13 people were injured in the attack early Sunday morning, including several University of Texas at Austin students, the school's president said.
While the motive remains uncertain, investigators are digging into whether the suspect, 53-year-oldNdiaga Diagne, was spurred by recentUS and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The anguish quickly spread across the country, as loved ones from Texas to Minnesota grieve the loss of three promising young lives. Here's what we know about the victims:
An only child and 'superstar student' volunteered to serve others
Savitha Shan was just two months away from graduating from UT Austin and already had a distinguished job lined up, according to her LinkedIn profile and a professor.
Shan was "one of our superstar students at the UT Austin McCombs school of business,"professor Russ Finneywrote on X.
The 21-year-old "was set to graduate this May, and then she was on to start her career at a big professional services firm," Finney wrote. "She was a double major with honors. Involved in student organizations - a light in the classroom. Absolutely crushing to lose her."
Shan's parents are now grieving the death of their only child.
"Our hearts are broken beyond words," the family said in a statement released by UT Austin. "The loss feels unreal and profoundly unfair, and the space she once brightened now echoes with sorrow."
While Shan was lauded for her academic achievements, it was her selfless compassion that touched the lives of those less fortunate.
She "generously gave her time through volunteer service and community involvement, always seeking to uplift those around her," Shan's parents said.
UT Austin President Jim Davis said Shan was "a loyal friend to many."
"It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her," Davis wrote in astatement.
He said several other UT Austin students were injured in the shooting, some with "very serious" injuries.
A community vigil is scheduled for Tuesday evening, the university's Students Demand Action chapter said. UT Austin's student government will also host a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening, wherecampus resources will be availablefor all students.
A little brother was 'robbed of a great future'
Ryder Harrington was a vivacious 19-year-old who made every day brighter for those around him, family and friends said.
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His sister, Reagan Harrington, paid tribute to her "best friend" on Instagram.
"We understood each other in a way that no one else quite could, and everyone who knew us knew that we were partners in crime in everything,"she wrote. "I'm not sure how we're meant to work through this — all I can think about is seeing you again."
Ryder's brother Reed Harrington said, it was unfair "that my little brother was only given 19 years on this earth."
"Watching the man he had become, and seeing all the lives he touched, leaves me certain that this world was robbed of a great future," Reed posted onFacebook.
In an open letter to his slain brother, Reed thanked Ryder for "being the best brother I could ever ask for."
"I love you more than you will ever know," he wrote. "No matter how old you get, or how much taller than me you are, you will always be my little brother."
Ryder Harrington was a student at Texas Tech University last fall, the school said, in a statement shared with CNN affiliateKCBD. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi at Texas Tech, the chapter said.
Harrington "had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable," the fraternity posted onInstagram.
"He made the world around him better simply by being in it."
A 'fantastic fighter' from Minnesota 'made us laugh constantly'
Jorge Pederson was a respected fighter and fought until the end.
The 30-year-old was mortally wounded Sunday and died Monday after he was taken off life support,CNN affiliate KVUEreported.
The MMA fighter from Minnesota was "very funny and a genuinely nice guy," said Matthew Vogt, co-owner of Med City Fighting Championships.
Pederson wasn't just "on point in regard to fighting," Vogt told CNN. He also brought humor and personality to the sport.
"We adored him. He made us laugh constantly," Vogt said.
Pederson's personality was so infectious that "Immediately after meeting him, both owners and people that work our events all immediately loved him,"Med City Fighting Championshipswrote on Facebook.
"He was a fantastic fighter. One of our favorite people to interact with, throughout the years of our existence," the organization said. "Our condolences to all of his friends and family. It was an honor to have known him."
CNN's Amanda Musa, Ed Lavandera, Elise Hammond, Jeremy Grisham and Karina Tsui contributed to this report.
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