CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Friends and former classmates of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov remember the 18-year-old Brown University freshman as a brilliant student known for his compassion.
Umurzokov and Ella Cook of Alabama were killed when a gunman opened fire in their economics study session at Brown University. Nine others were injured in the attack.
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Midlothian grad killed in Brown University shooting remembered for kindness
A half-dozen of his fellow 2025 Midlothian High School graduates, home for winter break after their first semester of college, struggled to process the loss of someone they considered a cherished friend as well as a mentor and leader.
"He was the smartest guy I've ever met. He was really hard working, but none of that took away from his ability and generosity he had towards helping other people," Alex Bradbury said.
"He would have been the class before you, and the teacher was tired, because he was just asking certain questions," said Maddox Johnson. "He was picking their brain all class."
Umurzokov had planned to become a neurosurgeon, a dream his friends say he pursued with unwavering determination.
"He was never scared of anything. Because I know a lot of people can have dreams, but then they think, oh, maybe this isn't for me. It might be too hard. I can't do it. And he never had that," Susanna Carr said.
His friends remember him as someone who made time for others, whether helping them with math or participating in Model UN conferences where he was known by all the attendees even if they didn't know his name.
"I struggled a lot with calculus and physics. And he would take time out of his day to just take half an hour and help me with all of it," Johnson said.
"I think it's telling that when he passed away, he was helping someone else study," said Carr. "He was just like that. He would help you learn whatever you needed to learn and listen to you."
"Few people I've met could talk to anyone, but he would talk to every single person, every single one of his classes, and he always made a point to remember people's names," said Isaac Bradbury. "He'd talk to them one time, and then you'll pass by him in the hallway and he'll say, 'Hey, how's it going?' There's just not a whole lot of people in the world like that."
Sienna Rosenberg said she looked up to Umurzokov because of his clear sense of purpose.
"I've always known and he's been really great at what he does. I honestly feel like no matter what career path he chose, he was going to be amazing at it," Rosenberg said. "It sucks to think that he probably could have saved lives doing what he was going to do, and now he's not going to be able to do that."
Beyond academics, Umurzokov was a teammate on the Spartans' Battle of the Brains team and served as a mentor and sounding board for his peers.
His friends expressed anger over the inexplicable act of violence and concern that people may remember the gunman's name but not the victims' names.
"I'm worried that when they finally do get him, that the shooter's name, whoever this monster is, is going to overshadow Mukhammad and Ella Cook, the two victims," Johnson said.
"I'm angry that in the videos, it looks like he's just walking away. It's like you murdered my friend and you're just walking away," said Carr.
Despite their grief, Umurzokov's friends say they plan to honor his legacy of compassion, generosity and enthusiasm for learning.
"I think that remembering what he did and what he wanted to do is the best way to celebrate his life," Isaac Bradbury said.
"I'm going to miss discussing our aspirations, and how we would talk about all the amazing things we were going to do, and also the fun times we've had as well," said Alex Bradbury. "Everyone loved the guy. He's the best person I knew, and he meant so much to so many people."
Click here to view a GoFundMe established by Umurzokov's family.
Wednesday morning, Midlothian High School's principal shared the following statement before a moment of silence:
“We would like to take this time to honor and dedicate this morning’s moment of silence to Mukhammad Umurzokov. Mukhammad graduated last spring from Midlothian High School as a member of the Class of 2025. He worked diligently toward his goal of attending an Ivy League university, a goal he proudly achieved this fall when he enrolled at Brown University. Tragically, Mukhammad suffered a fatal injury during a shooting at Brown University this past weekend. He will always be remembered as an incredibly hard worker and a deeply caring individual who was always willing to help others. Please join me in today’s moment of silence as we remember Midlo Class of 2025 graduate, Mukhammad Umurzokov.”
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