A tragedy that broke hearts across Ohio

Just a week earlier, Kimber had been celebrating the end of the school year with friends around a campfire when tragedy struck. A sudden act of violence — a shooting that no one saw coming — ended her life and shattered an entire community.

In the days that followed, the halls of Cleveland High were filled with flowers, letters, and photographs. Students wore their cheer uniforms to class. Teachers wept openly. A cheer bow with her initials, KM18, appeared on lockers and backpacks across the district.

The final farewell

Buckeyes unite in tribute

News of Kimber’s story soon reached Columbus, where several Ohio State Buckeyes players — many of whom had grown up just miles from Cleveland — were moved beyond words.

Head Coach Ryan Day gathered his team before practice on Thursday. He told them about Kimber’s story, her dreams, and her final act of kindness. The room fell silent. No one moved.

Playing for something greater

The ripple of a legacy

Beyond the field, the Buckeyes’ tribute sparked something larger. Thousands of fans posted messages online under the hashtag #FlyHighKimber, sharing their own stories of loss, hope, and gratitude. Organ donor registrations across Ohio saw a notable rise in the days after her story aired on local television.

At Cleveland High School, students gathered in the gym to watch the Buckeyes’ tribute on the big screen. When Kimber’s name appeared, they stood and clapped — a standing ovation for a classmate who had become a symbol of courage.

Beyond the scoreboard