In a tragic incident, an 18-year-old Alabama high school senior, Kimber Mills, was fatally shot during a bonfire gathering in Pinson. Known for her lively spirit and aspirations of becoming a nurse, Mills was one of four individuals injured when Tyler Whitehead, 27, allegedly opened fire at a local hangout spot known as “The Pit.”
Mills, a cheerleader at Cleveland High School, was reportedly shot in the head and leg in the early hours of Sunday. She was immediately rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she was put on life support. However, due to the severity of her brain injuries, her family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support.
Ashley, Mills’ sister, spoke to local media about the extent of Kimber’s injuries. She revealed that Kimber’s brain trauma was too severe for surgery. Kimber was breathing with the help of a machine, but no surgical procedure could guarantee her a quality life. The family decided to let her body follow its natural course.
Mills had plans to attend the University of Alabama after graduation. In a final act of giving, her family will fulfill her wish to be an organ donor. She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to donate her heart and lungs. The hospital has planned an Honor Walk at 4 p.m. to celebrate her life and her final act of generosity.
Morgan Kaye Metz, Mills’ cousin, expressed her admiration for Kimber’s final gift on Facebook. She wrote about Kimber’s blessing to others through her organ donation and thanked everyone for their love and support.
The incident reportedly occurred when Whitehead, unknown to the group, arrived at the gathering around 12:24 a.m. and began shooting after a verbal altercation. Three other individuals were also injured in the shooting. Whitehead has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and is currently held on a $180,000 bond at Jefferson County Jail.
Ashley described her sister Kimber as a “bubbly” individual who loved everyone and could make friends anywhere she went. She also had a fiery side and a “spunk in her step.” A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Mills’ family and the other victims of the shooting.