Journalism of Courage
Charlie Kirk, a MAGA firebrand and close Donald Trump ally assassinated in Utah on Wednesday, leaves behind his wife, former beauty queen Erika Frantzve, and their two young kids. The Turning Point USA founder was shot dead while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University during his American comeback tour, when a gunman opened fire. Kirk was rushed off stage by security and pronounced dead shortly after.
The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder married Erika, 36, in 2021. A former Miss Arizona, college basketball player, podcast host, and ministry leader, she brands herself a “multidimensional philanthropist.” According to her LinkedIn, Erika works as a real estate agent with The Corcoran Group in New York City and also founded a nonprofit called Everyday Heroes Like You, aimed at community empowerment. On her website, she describes herself as a “social entrepreneur, passionate ministry leader, and woman of deep faith whose life has been shaped by her global experiences and unwavering commitment to purpose.”
Also read: Who was Charlie Kirk? Trump’s closest ally who once said, ‘Society should accept some gun deaths to protect rights’![Photo: Instagram/charliekirk1776 and mrserikakirk [Today marks 4 years of being married to @mrserikakirk. Second to accepting Jesus, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. She is bold, smart, loyal, and beautiful]](https://images.indianexpress.com/2025/09/Charlie-kirk-5.jpg?resize=720,405)
Beyond philanthropy, Erika has worked in the entertainment industry, starting as a model before moving into acting and casting. She also runs PROCLAIM, a faith-based clothing line, and holds a doctorate in Biblical Studies from Liberty University.
Erika is a former NCAA women’s basketball athlete with a master’s degree in American Legal Studies. In 2012, she was crowned Miss Arizona USA. But above all, Erika wrote on her website that she cherishes being Charlie Kirk’s wife and the mother of his two kids.
Also read: ‘Dark moment for America’: Trump expresses grief after key aide Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah
The couple’s Instagram feeds show glimpses of their life together, beach trips, ball games, and birthdays. Their daughter turned three in August, and their son turned one in May. Erika often posted tributes to Charlie, calling him fearless, bold, and the “force” behind the next generation.
US President Donald Trump, who is very fond of the Kirk family, was the first to confirm Charlie Kirk’s death on Truth Social, sending condolences to his wife Erika and their two kids. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now he is no longer with us,” Trump wrote earlier, adding that both he and Melania were thinking of Erika and the family.
Charlie and Erika’s story goes back to 2018, when they first crossed paths with each other. Charlie later said he knew “almost immediately” she was the one. In a Turning Point USA video from June 2024, he even joked, “You’re gonna laugh, but you should absolutely interview for your spouse.”
They got engaged in December 2020 and married in May 2021 in a small, private ceremony. Erika marked the day with photos on Instagram and a note to Charlie: “To the man that I am immeasurably blessed to be able to call my husband. My CJK. I love you.” At the time of his death, Kirk’s net worth was estimated at around $12 million, with multiple real estate holdings, including a home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Just ten days before his death, the Kirk family was spotted at an Arizona Diamondbacks game.
