In a tragic incident that has shaken the community, 18-year-old Kimber Mills from Alabama passed away after being shot. Her family, friends, and hundreds of supporters gathered at UAB Hospital to honor her memory and witness her organ donation, which aims to save multiple lives.
Honor Walk and Organ Donation
The Honor Walk took place on Tuesday night, marking the emotional transition of Kimber from the hospital to the Legacy of Hope organ center. This ceremony, described by her sister Ashley Mills as having “the biggest gathering for Honor Walk the doc has ever seen,” was a testament to the love and support Kimber received.
Kimber’s journey to organ donation followed her tragic shooting at a gathering on October 18, 2025, in a wooded area known as The Pit in Jefferson County. She was shot in the head and sustained additional injuries.
Family Support and Community Response
Michael Mills, Kimber’s brother, led a heartfelt prayer during the Honor Walk. He expressed his deep love for Kimber and prayed for the success of her organ donation to help others in need. A representative from Legacy of Hope acknowledged Kimber’s generosity saying, “Today we stand in awe of a true hero.”
- Kimber was a senior cheerleader and track runner at Cleveland High School.
- She had aspirations to attend the University of Alabama to study nursing.
- More than $20,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page to support her burial costs.
Shooting Incident Details
The shooting incident occurred early Sunday morning, shortly after midnight. Initially, Kimber was attending a party with friends when a confrontation broke out. The suspect, Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, allegedly instigated the altercation and has been charged with multiple counts, including murder after Kimber’s death.
Two other individuals, Levi Sanders and Silas McCay, were also injured in the shooting. They remain hospitalized, with Sanders in serious condition.
Continuing Investigations
The investigation is ongoing, with Jefferson County deputies responding at 12:24 a.m. on the day of the incident. Additionally, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities.
Kimber Mills’ passing has left a profound impact on her community, highlighting not only the tragedy of her lost life but also the legacy of hope she leaves through her organ donation.
