Mountain Brook Honors Shark Attack Survivor Lulu Gribbin with Heartwarming Parade

Residents of Mountain Brook gathered on Saturday afternoon for a special parade to celebrate teenager Lulu Gribbin, who recently returned home after recovering from severe injuries sustained in a shark attack over two months ago.

The parade was small, featuring just a few vehicles escorted by police, but it gave many supporters, dressed in purple, their first chance to cheer for Lulu in person after weeks of following her recovery. It was also an opportunity for Lulu to personally thank the community for their overwhelming support.

The city of Mountain Brook organized the event. Earlier this month, Mayor Stewart Welch and the city council issued a resolution to honor Lulu’s “amazing spirit and the incredible love that our community has shown her,” according to a Facebook post. As a tribute, the city also lit its water fountain in purple.

On June 7, 15-year-old Lulu was swimming with friends off a beach in Walton County, Florida, when the shark attack occurred. Another teen, 16-year-old McCray Faust from Mountain Brook, was also injured, suffering bites to his leg and foot. Lulu, however, lost her left hand and her right leg above the knee. In a separate incident nearby, a woman from Virginia was also seriously injured by a shark.

Lulu’s positive attitude and strength in the face of her life-threatening injuries have inspired many and garnered widespread support. Alabama Senator Katie Britt has even proposed a law to allow government officials to send out shark attack warnings through mobile phone alerts.

In another show of support, Royal Cup Coffee launched a special “Lulu’s Blend” coffee as a symbol of hope and to assist Lulu in her recovery.

“Lulu Gribbin’s story is one of incredible resilience and courage,” Royal Cup Coffee said in their announcement. “After a tragic shark attack, Lulu has shown an inspiring spirit in her recovery. We created Lulu’s Blend in her honor, and it stands as a symbol of community support and hope. All profits from the sales of this coffee go directly to support Lulu and her family during her recovery.”

Royal Cup’s CEO, Chip Wann, added, “We are deeply moved by Lulu Gribbin’s strength and resilience. With Lulu’s Blend, we aim to unite our community to aid in her recovery. This blend is a tribute to her inspiring journey.”

Lulu’s Blend is available on the Royal Cup website for $14.03 for a 12-ounce bag.