Son of famous TikToker is killed in shooting a day before his 19th birthday

TikToker Ophelia Nichols is making an emotional appeal for help from her followers.

Over the weekend, Nichols announced the tragic news that her youngest son was killed in a shooting the day before his birthday and is asking for the public's help to help find the culprits. 

According to local Alabama media outlet WKRN, Nichols' family confirmed that Randon Lee, 18, was the victim. Police said the homicide remains under investigation.

"The word is out, and I'm overloaded with messages," Nichols said in a video shared June 25. "And I need everyone to know. But I'm doing this video for a reason. Because I need your help. I never asked you guys for anything but I need your help with this. There are almost 7 million people following me. Someone has to know something. Today would have been my baby's 19th birthday, but he was [ripped] away from me last night."

 Nichols said his son was shot at a gas station in Prichard, Alabama, before driving down the street to another gas station, where he was later found dead.

In her heartfelt plea, Nichols broke down in tears as she struggled to explain her loss.

"He was [ripped] away from my children and my husband and our family," she said. "My son was killed. He was shot. And I have this hatred in my heart that I don't recognize. Because I've never felt hatred for anyone. This individual took my son's life. He was only 18 years old."

Speaking directly about the culprits, she added: "And I know they are in my city. They are there. They are living and breathing but my son is dead."

Nichols concluded, "Does anyone know who did this to my son? And I'm asking for someone's help, anyone's help. It's my son."

A few hours after sharing his video, Nichols updated her followers and wrote in the comments section: "I was just told we have a lead on two people. I hope they watch this video and know what they have done to my family."