Lulu Gribbin returns to Moutain Brook after June Shark Attack

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. ( WIAT ) — 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin is back home in Mountain Brook after a shark attack in June claimed her hand and leg.

She spent the last 77 days in a North Carolina hospital.

Saturday was an emotional but celebratory day in Mountain Brook. The streets were lined with family, friends and community members, cheering in a parade to welcome home Gribbin.

“I just want the family to know that we love Lulu, we prayed for Lulu for those 77 days,” said Tina Dearashmit, who lives in Ashville.

Dearashmit drove over an hour to be in Mountain Brook for Saturday afternoons welcome home parade. Although she doesn’t know Gribbin, she has been following her story through social media posts.

“I was coming whether my chauffer drove me or not,” Dearashmit said. “I have grandchildren, and Lulu has become my 7 ^th grandchild along with her twin sister.”

Dearashmit is just one of hundreds who made the trip to Mountain Brook. m=Many in attendance don’t know the Gribbin family personally but felt compelled to show their support.

“Mountain brook is a unique community. We are like a family and when one of us hurts we all hurt, and we come out and support each other,” said Ginger Held, a Mountain Brook resident.

The community support for Gribbin was clear as nearly every business along the route of the welcome home parade was decorated with purple, Gribbin’s favorite color.

“When you have a child in this community you just feel for the family. We just want to support Lulu. She has been amazing, the whole thing, she has just been inspirational,”

Community members in Mountain Brook say they will continue to support the Gribbin family however they can.

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