NXT Promising High School Cheerleader Dies in Shooting, Lives On Through the Gift of Organ Donation

The tragic death of 18-year-old high school cheerleader Kimber Mills has left an entire Alabama community in profound grief, as a bright and promising life was abruptly cut short by a senseless act of violence. Kimber, known for her infectious smile, boundless energy, and warm heart, was fatally shot during a party in Pinson, leaving friends, family, and classmates struggling to come to terms with the unimaginable loss. Despite the horror of the night, Kimber’s family honored her final wishes by donating her organs, ensuring that her kindness and generosity would continue to save lives even in death.

The Night of Tragedy. In the early hours of Sunday, October 19, 2025, deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to urgent reports of multiple gunshot victims on the 7900 block of Highway 75 North. Upon arrival, authorities discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds: a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, an 18-year-old woman — later identified as Kimber — and a 20-year-old woman who had been transported to a nearby hospital by a private vehicle. Emergency crews provided immediate medical attention and transported the victims to nearby hospitals, but sadly, Kimber’s injuries were too severe for her to survive.

Investigators determined that the shooting followed a verbal and physical altercation that escalated into gunfire. The suspect, 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead, was arrested and charged with murder. He remains in the Jefferson County Jail without bond as authorities prepare additional charges. According to Kimber’s sister, Ashley, the suspect was unknown to anyone at the party and had approached one of Kimber’s friends, attempting to engage her and offer drinks. When the friend’s boyfriend intervened, a fight broke out, and gunfire erupted. Kimber, who was nearby, was struck in the head and leg during the chaos.

Hospital Vigil and Organ Donation
After the shooting, a friend rushed Kimber to the hospital, stopping along Gadsden Highway to seek immediate assistance from a passing Trussville police officer. Emergency responders and medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize her, while her family remained by her side, holding on to hope. Despite their efforts, doctors informed the family that Kimber had suffered catastrophic brain trauma, and even if she survived, she would remain dependent on assisted breathing and feeding machines for the rest of her life. Faced with the heart-wrenching reality, her family chose to honor her wishes and allow her to become an organ donor.

On the evening of Tuesday, October 21, Kimber was given an honor walk at UAB Hospital, an event attended by hundreds of family members, friends, classmates, and supporters who came to pay their final respects. Her hospital bed was escorted through the halls of the hospital as attendees stood silently, many moved to tears, witnessing the immense impact Kimber had made in her short life. Ashley shared videos and messages documenting the event, emphasizing the love and support that filled the hospital as her sister was prepared for organ donation. Kimber’s heart was donated to a seven-year-old boy in Ohio, and her lungs were given to a woman in New York, extending her life-saving impact far beyond her hometown.

Gift baskets

A Community in Mourning
The grief felt by Kimber’s family, friends, and community has been overwhelming. Students and staff at Cleveland High School gathered to pray and grieve, some holding hands and shedding tears, while school counselors were brought in to support students coping with the tragedy. A community vigil was held at the high school football stadium, where attendees were encouraged to wear pink, Kimber’s favorite color, in her memory. At the vigil, Ashley spoke emotionally, expressing the impossibility of burying her young sister, emphasizing the natural order of life, and mourning the loss of such a bright, loving soul.

Kimber was a senior at Cleveland High School and an active member of the cheerleading and track teams. She had planned to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in nursing, a career she had dreamed of in order to help others. Her sister described her as compassionate, energetic, and full of a spark that made her stand out in every aspect of her life. Kimber’s final act of generosity in donating her organs reflects her lifelong dedication to caring for others, and her legacy continues to inspire those who knew and loved her.

Survivors and Ongoing Healing
Silas McCay, 21, a close friend of Kimber who was also shot during the incident, continues to recover from severe injuries sustained in the shooting. Having been shot ten times, Silas’s progress has been described as remarkable, as he was able to participate in Kimber’s honor walk at UAB Hospital, walking behind her bed as hundreds looked on. His family views his survival as nothing short of miraculous, a sign of resilience and hope amidst the tragedy. Other witnesses and attendees expressed that, while witnessing Kimber’s passing was heart-wrenching, seeing her act of organ donation offered comfort, knowing that she continued to save lives even after her death.

In addition to the emotional support from the community, a GoFundMe campaign was created to assist the Mills family with medical, funeral, and other unexpected expenses related to the tragedy. At the time of publication, the campaign had raised over $26,000, demonstrating the outpouring of love and solidarity from friends, neighbors, and supporters across Alabama and beyond.

A Lasting Legacy
Kimber Mills will be remembered not only for her boundless energy, kindness, and bright spirit but also for the extraordinary gift she gave to others through organ donation. Her life, though tragically cut short, continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of those she touched, proving that even in the darkest moments, acts of love and generosity can shine brightly. Her family, friends, and community will forever carry her memory in their hearts, honoring a young woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly to others.