Belmont student killed by stray bullet in Nashville lived for music: What to know about Jillian Ludwig

Jillian Ludwig was almost 11 weeks into her college career when she was killed by a stray gunshot at a Nashville park.

Ludwig, 18, died Wednesday night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, less than two days after she was shot. She was hit while walking at the Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park Tuesday afternoon.

Shaquille Taylor, 29, was charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering in connection with the case, though charges could be enhanced since Ludwig's death.

Here's what we know about Jillian Ludwig.

More: Hundreds gather to pray in Nashville for Belmont student fighting to survive after gunshot

A devoted Belmont University freshman

Jillian Ludwig was a 2023 graduate of Wall High School in Wall Township, New Jersey. She moved 900 miles from home to pursue her love of music at Belmont University.

In less than a semester, Ludwig had already established herself on campus as a passionate bass player, brought to life by music, Belmont University President Greg Jones said.

She was known to frequent concerts "cheering on fellow musicians and using music as a way to connect with those around her," Jones said.

She chose music business as her major.

Ludwig, Jones said, was also an avid runner who enjoyed being outside.

Learning, loving music

Ludwig posted dozens of videos strumming on her guitar, learning cords from current hitmakers like Billie Eilish and Harry Styles. She also loved to play classics like “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, “Come as you are” by Nirvana, “Blackbird” by The Beatles and “Wish you were here” by Pink Floyd. She worked tirelessly at her craft.

In addition to honing her skills on the guitar and bass, Ludwig posted several piano covers as she learned to play songs from her favorite artists on the keyboard. Selections included “Like This” by Shawn Mendez and “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift.

Ludwig played venues around her home of Wall Township, hopping between playing bass and guitar and adding vocals during the Asbury Park Porch Fest and Red Bank in New Jersey.

The Belmont student's first show was more than two years ago, when she performed at The Saint in Asbury Park with her band Arcadia. She also played for Good Morning Beautiful.

In one of her most recent Instagram reels, Ludwig played a show Aug. 11 at the Asbury Hotel rooftop.

The New Jersey native was a student at Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park, where she and classmates worked on a rock-inspired version of “Run Run Rudolph” before she enrolled at Belmont.

"She was a very sweet girl and one of the nicest people in the world," said photographer Jeff Crespi. "She seemed to be enjoying her life at a time most kids go away to college. It's the start of their lives, so to speak."

Crespi snapped photos the rising singer during gigs she played with Good Morning Beautiful and Arcadia. He said playing was Ludwig’s life.

A victim of gun violence, state standards

Ludwig is not only an unfortunate victim of gun violence, but also a narrow state standard for those suffering from mental illness.

Taylor, who police said was shooting at a car when a stray bullet hit Ludwig, was in front of a judge earlier this year in connection with an aggravated assault case.

Three doctors deemed him incompetent to stand trial in the case, and he also didn't meet the state standards for involuntary commitment, according to District Attorney Glenn Funk.

To be involuntarily committed, a person must be found by two doctors to suffer from a severe mental illness that causes that person to be a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others. There must also be no other less restrictive measures than commitment, Funk explained.

Taylor's case was ultimately dismissed.

With no felony convictions, or red flag laws in Tennessee, there was nothing keeping Taylor from carrying a gun.

Asbury Park Press reporters Jenna Calderón Chris Jordan contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Belmont student Jillian Ludwig, shot in Nashville, lived for music