Birmingham community rallies around local teen after shocking shark attack

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

Soon after, the names of the victims became public and the Birmingham community was thrown into a state of alarm. One victim, Lulu Gribbin, of Mountain Brook, was in critical condition. Quickly, much of the Birmingham community rushed to support the local teen in any way they could.

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

Medical responders flew Lulu to a Pensacola hospital where she immediately underwent surgery. Lulu is currently recovering and is now stable following the amputation of her leg and hand. Her mother shared an optimistic update on Lulu's condition in a recent blog post.

“What I witnessed was Lulu being there. Nothing about her personality or her funny, intelligent personality has changed in the slightest. She may have lost her hand and her leg, but She’s here, and we’re really grateful.”

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

“It was great to express to them both how eternally grateful we are that they were so brave to go into the waters with a shark to save our sweet daughter. Lulu was able to say to them, 'Thank you for 'having saved his life.' Lulu is here!”

According to WBRC, Mountain Brook residents are placing purple ribbons, Lulu's favorite color, around their neighborhood in support of the injured teen. Doug Edge, assistant variety director of Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook, shared the following quote with WBRC: “The other students and members of the school church all come together to show their support, love and prayers . It's just great. Just know that God is in control. He is the power of healing. Don't lose your faith and healing will come.

Edge shared an update for those interested in purchasing a ribbon: “30 or 40 people were lining up outside this morning before we opened. Luckily, the community support is so good that we're currently at a standstill until more ribbons arrive, but we're easily looking at 200-250 bows right now. What Smith is doing to support the family and show our love and prayers is 20 percent of bow sales will go directly to the family so they can use it for transportation, food, anything which she needs.

Concerned residents can stay informed about 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 informed. This page can be found here.

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Cover photo by Kirk Thornton