A community is in mourning after the death of an 18-year-old who was shot last weekend during a bonfire gathering.
Doctors began the organ donation process on Kimber Mills days after the shooting. Mills had been hospitalized, but her sister announced on Monday that the Cleveland High School cheerleader would not survive.
On Tuesday, community members gathered at UAB Hospital an hour before doctors were scheduled to begin organ harvesting so Mills could save lives.
Silas McCay and Levi Sanders were also shot at the bonfire. GoFundMe accounts have been established to raise funds for both survivors.
"Silas is doing well but still needs everyone's help and prayers," the GoFundMe for McCay states. "He needs another surgery, and he needs people's help and strength."
Blount County Revenue Commissioner Gregg Armstrong asked for prayers for the Locust Fork graduate.
"Praise the Lord, he is doing better," Armstrong stated.
Levi Sanders remains in the ICU, according to a GoFundMe page for him.
"The days since the incident have been incredibly difficult for Levi and those who care about him, and his recovery will require time, strength, and ongoing medical attention," the organizer stated.
A 20-year-old woman was also wounded. There is no word on her condition.
The shooting occurred at 12:24 a.m. Sunday in the 7900 block of Highway 75 in east Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office arrested Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, in connection with the shooting. The sheriff's office originally stated Whitehead was charged with murder, but has since corrected information saying he is charged with three counts of attempted murder. Additional charges are likely.
Whitehead is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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