Jenkins, a former CNN news assistant who worked as an education reporter for The Virginian-Pilot, was beloved by her colleagues and community.

Worrell spoke highly of Jenkins, describing her as a “bright and talented woman with so much promise.”

“Her passion for journalism was undeniable, and our community is better because of her reporting. She brought both energy and empathy to her work as an education reporter,” she continued, CNN reports.

“To have the life of such a talented young person cut short is devastating,” added Worrell. “Our thoughts are with Sierra’s family and all those who knew and loved her. We are absolutely heartbroken.”

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the president of the National Association of Black Journalists, Dorothy Tucker, also paid their respects to the reporter on Twitter.

We are devastated to report that Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press reporter Sierra Jenkins was among the victims of an overnight shooting in downtown Norfolk. She was 24. https://t.co/ctmC5xHvkr

— The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) March 19, 2022

Our hearts are breaking for the lives lost in Norfolk, including Sierra Jenkins.

The First Lady and I are praying for their families, friends, and the Virginian-Pilot community.https://t.co/dG4J5RaLvv

— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) March 19, 2022

The entire @NABJ family is wrapping our arms around the family, friends and colleagues of @virginianpilot reporter, Sierra Jenkins.

This a tragic loss of a beautiful, young, intrepid reporter. We are in close contact with @HRBMP_org for support. https://t.co/2cx1NOzhtD https://t.co/wjQCnoPIkT pic.twitter.com/ggXkszyWSs

— Dorothy Tucker NABJ (@Dorothy4NABJ) March 19, 2022

Jenkins, a Norfolk native, graduated from Georgia State University in 2019 and interned at Atlanta magazine and CNN before landing a reporting job at The Virginian-Pilot in Dec. 2020.

Norfolk Police are still investigating the shooting and have made no arrest.

Sierra-Jenkins

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