News : Gunshot victim Emma Redlinger dies at age 14

Emma Redlinger, age 14, died Saturday, Feb. 28.

The prayer vigil that had been previously set for tomorrow evening for Emma Redlinger will now become a memorial vigil.

Emma, the daughter of Steve Redlinger and Aimee Redlinger, died Saturday afternoon, four days after an accidental shooting left her in a coma.

Aimee Redlinger shared this message with the community who has rallied around her family Saturday afternoon:

At 1:48pm my beautiful, intelligent, spunky girl lost her fight and is now with her little sister in God's Kingdom. Thank you all so very much for the love and support you have shown us these past few days. You have all given us comfort and hope in our darkest hours. Continue to pray and hold each other tight. Life is precious and can be taken in an instant. God bless and wrap his loving arms around each and every one of you. The prayer vigil tomorrow night at the First Christian Church in Vinton will still be held from 5-7. Please come to pray, support one another and celebrate my beautiful baby girl's life.

The littler sister that Aimee referred to is 1-month-old Sara Jean, who died in 2003, after surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.

The vigil will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church, on Highway 218, across 13th street from Theisen's.

Hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- of people rallied around the family, sharing prayers, well-wishes, photos and memories over the past few days.

"I cannot express enough how thankful we are for all of the love and support." says Aimee.

Arrangements are pending, though Aimee said that Emma would prefer a Celebration of Life to a traditional funeral.