'She was loved': Family remembers Concordia University pharmacy student who died in shooting

MEQUON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Courtney Spillner didn't know that her Facetime call on Tuesday with her younger sister, Ariel, would be the last time they spoke.

"We have been inseparable since I went to college," Spillner said. "Last thing we said to each other was we loved each other."

That call was in the evening on Nov. 4.

"Apparently an hour-and-a-half later, she was taken from us," Spillner said.

According to Milwaukee police, the 26-year-old was shot and killed around 9:40 p.m.

Another person was also shot, and someone was taken into custody at the scene. Charges are now being referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office.

Spillner said she believes her sister was there for a birthday party.

"She was amazing," Spillner said. "It doesn't seem real that I don't have a sister anymore."

On Thursday, Nov. 6, classmates and loved ones packed the School of Pharmacy, where Ariel studied, for a community vigil.

"She loves helping people, that's kind of her main goal that she always had going for her, she always wanted to help someone," Spillner said. "She lit up a room with her smile, her infectious smile."

Now, she'll remember Ariel as the most loving aunt, who would always be the biggest supporter for anyone around her.

"It was so heartwarming, I could not be more proud of the sister that I had," Spillner said. "She touched so many people's lives, more than I could've imagined."

In a statement to CBS 58, Concordia University said:

The Concordia University community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ariel Spillner, a student in our School of Pharmacy. Our hearts and prayers are with Ariel’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved her. Counseling and pastoral care are being offered to members of our campus community as we grieve together. We take comfort in the promise of Christ’s presence and pray for God’s peace to surround all who mourn Ariel’s passing.