A high school cheerleader in Alabama who was shot at a bonfire underwent surgery to donate her organs as a final act of selflessness, relatives said.
Kimber Mills, an 18-year-old cheerleader at Cleveland High School, was shot in the head early Sunday at a bonfire in a wooded area known as “The Pit” in Pinson, Alabama. She was removed from life support Tuesday at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where hundreds of witnesses looked on, video shows.
“Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night,” Kimber’s sister, Ashley Mills, wrote Wednesday on Facebook. “She has had the biggest gathering for honor walk the doc has ever seen! She was and is so loved by so many. We will miss you, Kimber!”
The post included a 4-minute clip showing hospital staffers moving Mills ahead of organ procurement surgery as hundreds of people stood in silence during the so-called honor walk. Doctors confirmed on Monday that the teen’s organs could be donated.
“They did do some tests this morning on her heart and lungs,” Ashley Mills told WBRC. “They may have a donor for both.”
Jerrita Hollis, who witnessed Mills’ final moments, said she was moved by the solemn tribute.
“It was just a lot of tears and hugs and goodbyes,” Hollis told the station. “And to me, it was God’s will.”
Mills, who was wounded in the head and leg, was shot along with three other victims at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, following a scuffle that escalated into gunfire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Silas McCay, 21, Levi Sanders, 18, and a 20-year-old female were also wounded, authorities said.
McCay and Sanders, who remained hospitalized in serious condition, participated in Tuesday’s honor walk, AL.com reported.
Suspected gunman Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, remains held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail. He was initially charged with three counts of attempted murder, although one of those counts has since been upgraded to murder, sheriff officials said Wednesday.
Mills, a senior who also ran track, planned to attend the University of Alabama and aspired to become a nurse, AL.com reported. Her sister said Whitehead showed up to Sunday’s gathering in eastern Jefferson County and tried to talk to one of Kimber’s friends — setting off a dispute that turned violent when she told her boyfriend.
“Kimber was caught in the crossfire,” Ashley Mills told the outlet.
Mills should be remembered for her kindness as well as her final altruistic act, her sister said.
“She was just very bubbly,” Ashley Mills told WVTM. “She loved everyone. She could make friends anywhere she went, but she also had that little fiery side where she could get you. I guess I would just say that she had a spunk in her step. She just loved everything. She was just the sweetest.”
An online fundraiser established for Mills’ family had eclipsed $21,000 as of Wednesday.
“On behalf of the class of 2026, the facility and staff of Cleveland High School and the Cleveland community, please join us in helping them in any way that we can,” the GoFundMe listing reads.
Blount County school officials also remembered Mills as a bright, outgoing student-athlete.
“Kimber’s smile and infectious personality will certainly be missed, but she will always be remembered,” Blount County School Superintendent Rodney Green said in a statement. “Our heart is burdened for her family and for the impact this will have on the students, faculty, and staff at Cleveland High School.”
