NHL writer among dead in Colorado theater shooting

The tragic movie-theater shooting early Friday in Aurora, Colo., hit close to home for many in the hockey business.

Among the 12 killed was Jessica Ghawi, 25, who wrote under the name Jessica Redfield and was part of the Denver-area hockey community.

Among other outlets, she wrote for the website Busted Coverage and was an intern at Denver radio station 104.3 FM and for the You Can Play Project.

"The thing that stood out to me most about Jessica was how sharp-witted she was, and funny at that," Sporting News NHL writer Jesse Spector told People Magazine's website. "It's what made following her on Twitter so much fun. She was amazingly enthusiastic about hockey, journalism and life in general."

Condolences poured out from around the hockey world as news spread Friday of her death:

Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche): Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the victims and everyone affected by this horrible tragedy.

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche (@Matt9Duchene): Thoughts and prayers going to @JessicaRedfield's family. Only spoke with her a few times but she was a sweet girl. Thinking about you guys

Adrian Dater, Avalanche writer, Denver Post (@adater): I'm in utter shock and disbelief about my friend Jessica Redfield's death. I was giving her advice yesterday about internships. … I feel sick. Two weeks ago, I hung out a couple hours with Jessica at 1Up. She had so many hopes and dreams in journalism A very good person … Jessica loved hockey and wanted to be a sports journalist. She definitely would have made it. She was super smart and funny. It's a tragedy

Patrick Burke, president, You Can Play Project (@BurkieYCP): All of my thoughts are with the Redfield family today. Jessica was a joy to work with. Such a terrible, tragic loss.

You Can Play Project (@YouCanPlayTeam): Our staff is despondent today over the loss of our intern Jessica Redfield. We will miss her intelligence, kindness, and work ethic greatly.

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche (@GabeLandeskog92): Can't believe what I'm hearing. My thoughts are with the people affected and their families. Stay strong Colorado.

Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks): The #Canucks family lost one of our own today. Our thoughts go out to the family of @JessicaRedfield.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers (@RNH_93): Truly awful to hear about the shooting in Colorado. Thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragedy.

Ryan Jones, Edmonton Oilers (@ryjones28): Just reading about the Colo shooting. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the event.

Josh Yohe, Penguins writer, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (@JoshYohe_Trib): RIP Jessica Redfield, who was killed in Colorado theater shooting. Had dinner with her before Pens/Avs in March. Nicest girl in the world.

The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews): The Hockey News extends our deepest condolences to family/friends of journalist Jessica Redfield and all victims of the tragedy in Colorado.

Mark Spector, Sportsnet NHL analyst (@SportsnetSpec): Very sad to have lost up and coming hockey broadcaster @JessicaRedfield in Denver last night. A well-respected young pro. #RIPJessica

Joe Haggerty, Bruins writer, CSNNewEngland.com (@HackswithHaggs): I definitely recall going back & forth a few times w/@JessicaRedfield on twitter in past. Such a bright future in hockey brutally taken away

Kevin Snow, writer, Sabres.com (@kwsnow): The more I read about Jessica Redfield, I'm reminded of why I got into this industry: a passion for sports. Never forget this.

Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres): Our thoughts and prayers are with the Aurora, Colorado victims, their families and their friends today.

Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks (@Logancouture): More and more I read/hear about the shootings in Colorado it's sickening. Leaves a weird feeling. Don't take a second for granted.

Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado Avalanche (@Ryan_OReilly90): So sad to hear about the shooting in aurora Colorado thoughts go out to all family's affected by this terrible incedent