A touching video captures the emotional moment when a teenage girl was escorted into surgery for the purpose of organ donation.
On October 19, 18-year-old Kimber Mills was tragically caught in a crossfire and shot in both the head and leg during a bonfire event in a wooded area of Pinson, Alabama.
In the aftermath, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead.
Attendees of the bonfire mentioned that Whitehead was unknown to them and arrived at approximately 12:24 am that Sunday, according to Fox News.
Three additional individuals were injured in the shooting, leading to Whitehead being charged with three counts of attempted murder.
He now faces a murder charge, as Mills tragically passed away from her injuries on October 21 after being removed from life support.
On the day of her passing, an honor walk was organized for the promising cheerleader. Hundreds of Mills’ schoolmates gathered in the hospital hallway to pay their respects as she was taken to the operating room for organ donation.
Her sister, Ashley Mills, shared that Kimber had expressed her wish to be an organ donor.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Ashley revealed that Kimber’s heart was given to a seven-year-old boy, and her lungs were donated to a woman in New York.
Kimber had plans to attend university to pursue a career in nursing after completing high school.
Marilu Valdez, a classmate, attended the honor walk and described the experience as deeply moving.
“It was really sad. It broke my heart to know someone as bright as her, beautiful smile, beautiful spirit could have gone through that,” she told ABC News.
“Love like Kimber, and to take those moments you have with your loved ones and your friends and make the most of them. You never know what might happen,” Valdez added.
Blount County Schools posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook following Mills’ untimely death.
“Our school district is deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of one of our students, Ms. Kimber Mills,” the tribute read.
“Kimber was a bright, outgoing senior cheerleader for Cleveland High School. Kimber’s smile and infectious personality will certainly be missed, but she will always be remembered.
“Our heart is burdened for her family and for the impact this will have on the students, faculty, and staff at Cleveland High School.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Mills’ family, and nearly $28,000 has been raised so far. You can donate here.
If you or someone you know is affected by gun violence, more information and support are available through Survivors Empowered on their website.