All four victims killed in a deadly mass shooting at a 16th birthday party have been identified - as hospital officials revealed bad weather "delayed" critical patient transfers.
Twenty-eight people were injured and some left in a critical condition after a gunman fired at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in the city of Dadeville, US, on Saturday.
Tallapoosa County Coroner Mike Knox confirmed the victims are Philstavious Dowdell, 18, Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23, Shaunkivia Nicole Smith, 17, and Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 19.
Hospital officials revealed some critical patient transfers were delayed after bad weather prevented the emergency helicopter from taking off.
Heidi Smith, Director of Marketing for Ivy Creek Healthcare, said: “We have a helicopter pad, but we could not fly the helicopter due to inclement weather.
“As soon as the weather kind of subsided, we were able to get most of those people transferred on out of those nine that transferred to other places.”
NBC News reported the birthday party was being held for a cheerleader on campus and that the girl’s mum was wounded during the shooting.
High school football star Philstavious had reportedly been in attendance for his sister's 16th party when he was tragically killed - with authorities still searching for the suspect and motive.
The teen recently joined Jacksonville State University and had a bright future ahead of him, according to his coaches.
"He was a very, very humble child," grandmother Annette Allen said, according to Montgomery Advertiser.
"Never messed with anybody. Always had a smile on his face."
Pastor Ben Hayes, who serves as chaplain for the Dadeville Police Department and for the local high school football team, added: "One of the young men that was killed was one of our star athletes and just a great guy.
"I knew many of these students. Dadeville is a small town and this is going to affect everybody in this area."
Shaunkivia 'KeKe' Nicole Smith, a senior at Dadeville High School and manager of the basketball and track and field teams, was also named among the victims.
Cousin Amy Jackson revealed their family is heartbroken following her tragic death.
She wrote on Facebook: "My heart is scattered. My lil cousin Ke... Please give our family respect during this time of bereavement Give us strength and understanding Mighty God.
"Praying for all loved ones that have lost their life or were injured.
“We love you Ke... it was a mass shooting in my hometown Dadeville Al... they took her from us.”
Corbin Dahmontrey Holston did not attend the party but went to check on a younger relative who was concerned there might be trouble, according to reports.
His mum Janett Heard revealed her son rushed to the scene to check on the teens amid concerns from family members.
She told AL.com: "Out of concern for other family members, Corbin responded to the party to ensure their safety but unfortunately encountered the suspects."
Cobin, who graduated from Dadeville High School in 2018, managed to bring his family member to safety before he was tragically shot.
Ms Heard added: "Corbin was selfless when it came to his family and friends and always tried to be a protector. That’s just the type of person he was.”
Marsiah Emmanuel 'Siah' Collins was on the Opelika High Schools 2022 football team and pursuing a music career.
He was taking a gap year and planning to move in with his dad to Baton Rouge in order to attend Louisiana State University.
Heartbroken dad Martin told AL.com: “I don’t know what to say about this situation. He messaged me on April 5 telling me he was ready to leave.”
Heidi Smith confirmed 15 teenagers were treated at Lake Martin Community Hospital after the shooting.
She said: “Of those 15, we were able to treat six of those here at the facility and get them discharged safely home.
“We had to transfer nine out. We got them out, some by ambulance and some by helicopter.”
She confirmed of the nine transferred to other hospitals, four were stable and five were in critical condition.
Dadeville Police Chief Jonathan Floyd, who said: "One thing I want you to know about the city of Dadeville, the city of Dadeville is a tight-knit community full of wonderful people.
"I ask you to please keep our community in your prayers, and ask you to keep my police department in your prayers.
"I also ask each of you, please do not let this moment define what you think about the city of Dadeville and our fine people.
"What we've dealt with is something that no community should have to endure."
Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 (£3,000) reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect(s) involved.
