Hundreds say goodbye as fatally shot teen cheerleader donates organs ‘so that others may live’

Hundreds of people lined the halls of UAB Hospital as Kimber Mills, a beloved Alabama 18-year-old, prepared to undergo organ donation after being shot at a weekend party.

The Cleveland High School cheerleader’s Honor Walk was held Tuesday night.

An Honor Walk is when a patient is moved from UAB Hospital to the Legacy of Hope organ center – about two blocks away – on an interior pathway between the two.

“Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 last night,” Kimber’s sister, Ashley Mills, said in a Wednesday Facebook post. “She had the biggest gathering for Honor Walk the doc has ever seen.”

“She was and is so loved by so many,” Ashley said. “We will miss you Kimber.”

Kimber’s brother, Michael Mills, led a prayer in the hospital hallways.

“Heavenly Father, thank you Lord for this young woman, my sister, I love her so much Lord,” he prayed. “I pray for swift hands of the surgeons, Lord, that we do what needs to be done to save other lives, Lord.”

“I pray no fear, no sadness Lord, no hatred,” Michael said. “Thank you, Lord, for Kimber. Please protect us in these uncertain times.”

A Legacy of Hope representative also spoke.

“Today we stand in awe of a true hero, giving of themselves so that others may live,” he said, acknowledging the generosity of Kimber and her family for choosing to help those in need.

“May the recipients enjoy restored health and recognize the magnitude of such a rare and remarkable gift,” he said. “Thank you, Kimber, for life-saving legacy you are leaving behind. We honor you today and always.”

Among those taking part in the Honor Walk was 21-year-old Silas McCay who was also wounded in the shooting. Levi Sanders, 18, remains hospitalized as well, and in serious condition.

Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, was charged with three counts of attempted murder. One of those charges has now been upgraded to murder following Kimber’s death.

He is being held without bond.

A GoFundMe to help with Kimber’s burial has already raised more than $20,000. Prayer vigils for the teen were held Monday night at the Cleveland High School football field, and Monday morning at the school’s flagpole.

Kimber was a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School in Blount County, where she also ran track.

She was planning to attend the University of Alabama next year with a dream of becoming a nurse.

“She was also helping someone,” Ashley said.

Ashley described her sister as friendly and sweet, and a bit fiery at times.

“She had a little spunk to her step,” she said.

The shooting happened early Sunday near Alabama 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road.

Kimber was with friends and another sister at the Saturday night party.

Ashley said Whitehead showed up at the party, but Kimber and her friends did not know him.

Whitehead, she said, began trying to talk to one of Kimber’s friends, offering her drinks and trying to get close to her.

The girl told her boyfriend, a fight involving multiple people ensued, and shots were fired.

“Kimber was caught in the crossfire,” Ashley said.

One of Kimber’s friends picked her up and put her in his truck to rush her to the hospital.

Once they got to Gadsden Highway, they saw a Trussville police officer and stopped for help.

Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush said officers provided aid to Kimber, who was shot in the head and the leg. Trussville firefighters then rushed her to UAB Hospital.

Jefferson County sheriff’s spokesman Henry Irby said deputies were dispatched to the remote scene at 12:24 a.m.

Palmerdale Fire and Rescue and Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victims to hospitals.

Deputies learned that a fourth victim, a 20-year-old female, had been transported to a hospital by a personal vehicle.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.