An 18-year-old Alabama high school cheerleader has died from gunshot injuries sustained during a weekend gathering. Her family has chosen to donate her organs, impacting many in the community.
Kimber Mills, a senior at Cleveland High School in Blount County, was shot in the head and leg early on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This incident occurred at approximately 12:24 a.m. in a wooded area near Alabama 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road, locally referred to as “The Pit.” The event, which began as a dispute in Pinson, Alabama, resulted in three other individuals being shot.
Upon arrival, Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies found three individuals with gunshot wounds, including Mills, an 18-year-old male, and a 21-year-old male. A fourth victim, a 20-year-old female, was already en route to a hospital via private vehicle at the time.
Mills’ sister, Ashley Mills, reported that the suspect, 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead, was not known to attendees at the party. Whitehead allegedly approached one of Kimber’s friends, offering drinks and trying to get close. This prompted the friend’s boyfriend to intervene, leading to a confrontation where shots were fired.
Ashley Mills stated that her sister was unintentionally caught in the crossfire. A friend transported Kimber to the hospital in his truck. They encountered a Trussville, Alabama, police officer while on Gadsden Highway and requested assistance. Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush confirmed that officers provided aid before Trussville firefighters took her to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
Medical staff informed the family that Mills had suffered irreversible brain trauma. Ashley stated that doctors advised that, if she survived, Kimber would require breathing and feeding tubes indefinitely. She said, “There is no surgery that would give her a life worth living.”
The family placed Mills on a do-not-resuscitate order and arranged for organ donation, honoring her wishes. Doctors indicated that her life expectancy was only a few days due to increasing brain swelling leading to brain death.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Mills was taken off life support. Prior to organ procurement surgery, UAB Hospital held an Honor Walk, a tribute to organ donors. Hundreds of supporters lined the hospital corridors as her stretcher was moved to the operating room.
Ashley Mills disclosed that her sister’s heart was donated to a seven-year-old child. Michael Holmes, who witnessed the shooting and attended the Honor Walk, described the emotional atmosphere. Jerrita Hollis, another attendee, noted the presence of tears, hugs, and farewells.
Silas McCay, 21, and Levi Sanders, 18, two other shooting victims, remain hospitalized in serious condition and participated in the Honor Walk for Mills. The condition of the fourth victim was not revealed by authorities.
Whitehead is being held on $330,000 bond at the Jefferson County Jail. Initially charged with three counts of attempted murder, one charge has been upgraded to murder following Mills’ death. He is scheduled to appear in court this week before Judge Kandice Pickett.
Describing her sister, Ashley said she was “friendly, sweet, and a bit fiery at times.” Mills, who also ran track, had plans to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a career in nursing. Ashley noted that Kimber was always helping others.
Over 200 people gathered at UAB Hospital in support of Mills. A vigil was organized at Cleveland’s football field, and a prayer service took place at the high school’s flagpole.
Blount County School Superintendent Rodney Green issued a statement describing Mills as an outgoing senior cheerleader whose smile and presence would be missed. Green acknowledged the impact on the school community.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Cleveland High School students and staff has raised over $38,000 toward a $50,000 goal to support the Mills family. Pink bows, Kimber’s favorite color, are visible across Blount County, with proceeds benefiting her family. Crossroads Florist and Gifts, producing the bows, reported strong community support.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, under the Uvalde Foundation, announced plans to plant a memorial tree in Mills’ honor at Talladega National Forest as part of Trees for Peace, a nationwide initiative recognizing students lost to gun violence.
