Remembering Kimberly "KJ" Morris a CT Native Killed in the Orlando Mass Shooting

“I didn't even know you that well but you were so kind to me and such a huge help. You took my business cards and passed them around to support independent business. So sad your life was taken. Rest in heaven luv.” -Mays Fam, Monday, 7:46 a.m.

The above comment is just one of the hundreds of people who have reached out through Facebook and other outlets in sadness and support to loved ones over the loss of Kimberly “KJ” Morris, a Torrington native who was one of the 49 victims in Sunday’s Orlando nightclub massacre; the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

Like many lost that tragic night, Morris was an important individual who had encountered and affected so many others in the 37 years she had lived on this Earth. As George Bailey is told in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” by his guardian angel, “one [person’s] life touches so many others; when they aren’t around, it leaves an awful hole.”

This line of fiction is evident in reality with the outpouring of people who are shocked, horrified, and overall deeply saddened at the loss of a person who seemed to have touched countless others.

“The world just lost a special person. I pray for peace and healing in the hearts of your loved ones. Hearts are broken.” -Cindy Taffel, Monday, 8:05 a.m.

Morris was the eighth person confirmed dead in the shooting at Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge. She had recently started work there as a bouncer; her mother, Deborah Jean Riley, told the Hartford Courant that she believed it was only her second week on the job, having just started earlier this month.

Pulse owner Barbara Poma revealed in an exclusive interview on “The Today Show” that Morris was the only employee lost in the massacre. Poma told Matt Lauer that though Morris was a new employee, she was good fit for their family.

“My deepest sympathies and prayers to Kim's family. I attended high school with her and most certainly remember her. She was kind, funny and always smiling. May she rest in peace.” -Christina Weber Schulze, Monday, 10:36 a.m.

Her journey, however, began in her hometown of Torrington. Residents have also been rocked by the sad turn of events and loss of a special former member of the community, where she was a 1996 graduate of Torrington High School and played basketball.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that one of the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting was originally from Torrington,” Mayor Elinor Carbone said in a release. “This loss of life, any loss of life, is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kimberly Morris, and all others who been affected by this unspeakable act.”

Torrington will hold two vigils in her honor at Coe Memorial State Park, on both Tuesday at 5 p.m. and Friday at 6 p.m.

“This sucks. You were such a sweet, fun loving, talented, kind hearted soul who didn't let race, age, sex or popularity status define who you befriended. You will always be in our hearts. I never had the chance to see you perform, but I know you'll be putting on one heck of a show up there!” -Krista Reichler-Molina, Sunday, 10:47 p.m.

After graduating from Post University in Waterbury, Morris worked in the student affairs office of Amherst College, and then at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., according to the Hartford Courant.

She worked at Diva’s Nightclub while in Northampton, where she danced and performed as a drag king dubbed “Daddy K.” The club took to social media the evening of the shooting to express their condolences and grief.

“We are deeply saddened to lose a member of our Diva's family,” the club posted on their Facebook page Sunday night. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. We will always remember her smile and her amazing way she lit up the stage in her performances. Keep dancing KJ...and we'll keep smiling remembering you!!”

The club will also hold a tribute night on July 2, entitled “Tribute for Daddy K.” It will feature a Drag Show Tribute, with Drag Kings set to perform and Divas Dolls as well.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Morris’ family. The event page is filled already with both an outpouring of posts of love and desire to honor “Daddy K,” as well as select videos of K’s past performances at the club.

One commenter, Shonna Hatoum, claimed “this is how [Morris] would want to be honored and celebrated.” An event that will surely bring people both familiar and new to the life of KJ Morris joy and excitement.

“R.I.P. KJ I still can't believe that you are gone. I will always remember your smile, your laughter & how much you loved all types of music. You were truly an angel who touched so many souls.” -LaDena Rawlings, Monday, appx. 2:50 p.m.

Many who knew Morris remember her as someone who was always smiling and looking on the bright side of things. All who have reached out over various social media platforms in one way or another have mentioned the joy that she brought to people, a trait that could rub off on so many people in so many ways.

A GoFundMe memorial fund page was set up by fellow Torrington high School student and friend Tosin Miriam Akinbobola on Monday. As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the page has received 73 donations and raised $2,758 of a $5,000 goal.

“Her family needs financial and emotional support and we, as her extended family, want to lessen the burden as much as we possibly can,” Akinbobola said on the page. “All money from this campaign will go directly towards Kim's funeral expenses and to support her immediate family through this very difficult time.”

For many affected by the loss of someone who brought so much joy, it can surely be difficult to find a silver lining. Yet perhaps there is hope that those who had never met Morris might be inspired by her, and those who did might “keep smiling remembering” her.

To donate to the memorial fund, visit the GoFundMe page.

Read Patch’s initial coverage on KJ Morris at the Hartford Patch.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe