Reeva Steenkamp Dead, Boyfriend Oscar Pistorius Arrested for Murder: 'Blade Runner' Olympic Star Fatally Shoots Model on Valentine's Day

Reports confirm that Reeva Steenkamp, a 30-year-old model, activist, law graduate, and rising TV star, was found shot dead in her boyfriend's home on Valentine's Day (Thursday, Feb. 14). Steenkamp's boyfriend, South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, was arrested on Thursday for murder charges. Details surrounding the fatal shooting remain unclear, although some reports allege that Steenkamp was attempting to surprise 26-year-old Pistorius for Valentine's Day when he mistook her for a burglar. Police have yet to confirm this story. No other suspects are involved.

Steenkamp's lifeless body was found at Pistorius' gated community home in Silverlakes, South Africa early Thursday morning. Johannesburg's Talk Radio 702 said Pistorius was believed to have shot his girlfriend in the head and arm, although such circumstances still remain unclear. Police spokeswoman Katlego Mogale stated, "We found a 9 mm pistol at the scene. A 26-year-old man was taken into custody." Pistorius (nicknamed "Blade Runner") is expected to appear in court later Thursday afternoon. Mogale told Agence France-Presse that the victim was allegedly shot four times.

Steenkamp was a respected celebrity figure in South Africa - a well-known model, law-school graduate, and a reality TV star attempting to work her way up in the business. She was named one of FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" for two years in a row. She was also set to star on the new reality series Tropika Island of Treasure, due to premiere in South Africa on Saturday (Feb. 16). Steenkamp was also a celebrated women's activist.

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As Steenkamp's friends and family mourn her sudden death in shock and sadness, the model's publicist Sarit Tomlinson released this statement: "Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time. Everyone is simply devastated. She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed."

Steenkamp seemed amped to celebrate the romantic holiday with her new boyfriend, tweeting on Feb. 13:

@reevasteenkamp: "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay."

The couple had just been dating a few months.

Pistorius, who races wearing carbon fiber prosthetic blades after he was born without a fibula in both legs (hence the nickname "Blade Runner"), was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the 400 meter semi-finals in London, 2012.

Pistorius has yet to release a statement on the murder charges. According to the Olympian's father Henke Pistorius, "If anyone makes a statement, it will have to be Oscar. He's sad at the moment."

South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic committee released this statement on Thursday:

"SASCOC, like the rest of the public, knows no more than what is in the public domain, which is there has been an alleged fatal shooting on the basis of a mistaken identity and an apparent assumption of a burglary. The organization is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned."

The International Paralympic Committee wouldn't comment on the details of the shooting, but offered condolences to Steenkamp's family.

"This is a police matter, with a formal investigation currently underway," the IPC said. "Therefore it would be inappropriate for the IPC to comment on this incident until the official police process has concluded. The IPC would like to offer its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families involved in this case."

Thoughts and condolences go out to Steenkamp's family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this time of tragedy.