The evening of October 18, 2025, is one that people in Blount County, Alabama, will never forget. Stephen Whitehead allegedly began shooting at a bonfire in a wooded area of Pinson known by locals as “The Pit.” Bullets struck four people that night, including 18-year-old Cleveland High School student Kimber Mills. Tragically, Mills died from injuries sustained in the shooting. But in death, the teenager gave the gift of life to a young child.
Whitehead allegedly got into an argument with someone at the bonfire before opening fire, according to ABC 33. Witness Autumn Houser told the outlet the shooting shocked her.
“I started talking to one of my girlfriends and I turned back around, and I just saw a big brawl, and as soon as I walked over there, I saw him pull out a gun and start shooting, and it was just over and over and over and over and over again,” she told ABC 33.
Witnesses called 911, and when emergency crews arrived, they rushed Mills to UAB Hospital. Doctors tried their best to save her, but her injuries were far too serious. Before her death on Tuesday, hundreds of people from the community lined the halls of the hospital for her Honor Walk, the outlet reported. Tears flowed as staff wheeled the teen into the operating room, where she would give her final powerful gift.
Mills’ family told WVTM that a 7-year-old girl received her heart.
Ashley Nicole shared video and photos of her sister’s Honor Walk on Facebook, and it’s positively heart-wrenching. The crowd, many dressed in pink for Kimber Mills, shed tears as they said goodbye to the teenager.
“Our sweet baby sister went to be with the lord at 7:08pm last night! She has had the biggest gathering for honor walk the doc has ever seen! She was and is so loved by so many,” Ashley Nicole wrote in her post. “We will miss you Kimber! Everyone is free to share this post anywhere they feel necessary!”
The moment touched so many people who will forever remember Mills’ final act of love.
“I have chills all through my body after watching that. Kimber was so very loved and it shows so much. Thank you Kimber for giving life to others as yours was taken,” a friend shared on the post. “I pray for peace, understand, and love as well as everyone who now carries Kimber within them May they heal and live like her. Praying for you Ashley!”
Prosecutors initially charged Whitehead with four counts of attempted murder, WVTM reported. Following Mills’ death, the court upgraded one charge to murder.
Her Honor Walk shows just how special the teen was to so many people and that good can overcome evil. Her story is a very grim reminder that life can change in a second and that we should be grateful for every day with those we love.
