The Birmingham community is rallying around a local teenager after a shocking shark attack

On June 7, news broke that two shark attacks had occurred on beaches along 30A.

Shortly after, the names of the victims became public and the Birmingham community was sent into a state of concern. One victim, Mountain Brook resident Lulu Gribbin, was in critical condition. Immediately, much of the Birmingham community rushed to support the local teenager in any way they could.

Fortunately, two doctors close to the incident noticed blood in the water nearby and sprang into action to help the teenager. Lulu was able to be transported after the two doctors helped her by applying a tourniquet to her injured leg and hand.

Medical responders airlifted Lulu to a hospital in Pensacola where she underwent immediate surgery. Lulu is currently recovering and her condition is now stable after having her leg and hand amputated. Her mother shared an upbeat update on Lulu’s condition in a recent blog post.

“What I’ve witnessed is that Lulu is here. Nothing about her personality or her funny, intelligent loving self has changed one bit. She may have lost an arm and a leg, but she’s here and we’re truly grateful for that .”

Lulu was able to meet and thank the doctors who saved her life on the beach.

“It was great to express to both of them how eternally grateful we are for being so brave to go into the waters with a shark to save our sweet girl. Lulu was able to tell them, “Thank you for saving my life.” Lulu is here!”

According to WBRC, residents of Mountain Brook are placing purple ribbons, Lulu’s favorite color, in their neighborhoods in support of the injured teenager. Doug Edge, Mountain Brook Smith’s Assistant Variety Manager, shared the following quote with WBRC: “Fellow students and members of the school’s church are all coming together to show their support, love and prayers. It is simply wonderful. Just know that God is in control. He is the healing power. Don’t lose faith and healing will come.”

Edge shared an update for those interested in purchasing a ribbon, “30 or 40 people lined up outside this morning before opening. Luckily the community support is so good that we’re at a standstill right now until more ribbon comes in, but we’re easily looking at 200 to 250 bows right now. What Smith is doing to support the family and show our love and prayers is that 20 percent of the bow sales will go directly to the family so they can use it for transportation, food, whatever they need it for.”

Concerned locals can keep up to date with Lulu’s condition and find ways to support her on the family’s Caring Bridge page here. An Instagram page has also been created to keep the community updated. That page can be found here.

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Cover photo by Kirk Thornton