The second victim fatally gunned down in the Brown University shooting was identified as a “bright and promising” Uzbekistan immigrant who dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon, according to officials and loved ones.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, was a scholarship pupil who had “big dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon” so he could help others before an unidentified shooter opened fire inside a final exam review session Saturday afternoon.
Umurzokov’s identity was confirmed by the US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick on Monday morning.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek national, has been identified as a victim in the shooting at Brown University. GofundmeHis two sisters told the New York Times he and his family entered the US in 2011 and later became naturalized citizens living in Virginia.
He was described as “gentle” and “extroverted” who worked at Wawa over the summer to purchase a new laptop ahead of the school year, his siblings Rukhsora Umurzokova, 22, and Samara Umurzokova, 15, told the outlet.
He chose to attend the elite Ivy League school because it provided him the best financial package, they added.
“He was incredibly kind, funny, and smart. He had big dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon and helping people. He continues to be my family’s biggest role model in all aspects,” his loved ones said in a GoFundMe post.
“He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation, and was the most kind-hearted person our family knew. Our family is incredibly devastated by this loss.”
Umurzokov in a Brown University hoodie. GofundmeThe American Uzbekistan Association said in a social media post Umurzokov was known for his “sharp intellect, kind heart, and quiet willingness to help anyone in need.”
“His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his character and the values of the community that raised him,” the association said, calling him “bright and promising.”
Umurzokov was one of two students killed in the engineering building during the weekend study. The other fatal victim was identified as 19-year-old sophomore Ella Cook, who was the vice president of the school’s college Republican club.
A law enforcement official walks past articles of clothing on a sidewalk near an entrance to Brown University after the shooting. APNine others were injured.
A person of interest was taken into custody in connection to the shooting Sunday morning, but authorities said Sunday night that person was released.
The New York Post cover for Sunday, December 14, 2025.
“We have a murderer out there,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha said.
Umurzokov’s roommate, Khimari Manns, told WPRI he was still in shock from the mass shooting and the death of his friend.
He texted Umurzokov in the aftermath of the shooting, but never heard back.
“Brown is grieving. I am grieving,” Manns said.
“His soul reverberated throughout the community.”
