Kimber Mills Birmingham, AL Death and Obituary – The Birmingham, Alabama, community is mourning the tragic loss of 18-year-old Kimber Mills, a beloved cheerleader from Cleveland High School, who died from injuries sustained in a shooting on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident occurred during a gathering in the Pinson area, leaving four people shot and one young life cut short far too soon.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place in a wooded area known locally as “The Pit.” Investigators believe an argument among attendees escalated into gunfire, and Mills was tragically caught in the crossfire. Authorities reported that multiple rounds were fired during the altercation, causing chaos as partygoers fled the scene.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Mills to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she was treated for gunshot wounds to the head and leg. Despite extensive medical efforts, doctors determined that her brain injuries were too severe for survival. Her family made the heart-wrenching decision to remove her from life support on October 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and supporters who gathered to say their final goodbyes.
Before she passed, Mills’s family held an “Honor Walk” at UAB Hospital, a solemn tribute that allowed friends, hospital staff, and community members to pay their respects as she made her final journey to the operating room. True to her wishes, Kimber’s organs were donated—her heart and lungs matched with recipients in need. Her parents described this act as “the greatest gift of all,” a final gesture of compassion and hope that reflected the way she lived her life.
Law enforcement officials later arrested 27-year-old Steven Whitehead in connection with the shooting. He was initially charged with attempted murder, though investigators confirmed that the charges are expected to be upgraded to murder following Mills’s death. Authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the violent confrontation, seeking justice for the victims and closure for their families.
The news of Mills’s passing has left the Blount County and Birmingham communities heartbroken. A talented cheerleader known for her bright spirit and kindness, Kimber was deeply loved by classmates, teachers, and teammates. Cleveland High School hosted a candlelight vigil in her memory, where students wore pink—her favorite color—and shared stories about her warmth, energy, and generosity.
Hundreds gathered at UAB Hospital during her honor walk, forming a silent procession to show love and solidarity for the family. Across the county, homes and businesses displayed pink ribbons to honor her memory. A GoFundMe page was launched to help support her family and the other shooting victims, receiving an overwhelming outpouring of donations and prayers.
As the community continues to mourn, Kimber’s legacy endures through the lives she saved and the love she shared. Her story has touched countless hearts across Alabama and beyond, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the power of kindness, courage, and giving.