A teenager sent her mother a heartbreaking text just hours after celebrating her 16th birthday with her nearest and dearest.
Naomi Briggs was tragically shot in Oregon in the early hours of Thursday morning (21 November), and is now fighting for her life in hospital.
Prior to heading to hospital, Naomi's mother, Drea Briggs, received a horrifying message that would turn any parent's life upside down.
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Naomi headed out with friends at around 9:30pm last Wednesday (20 November) to celebrate her special birthday.
A first text sent to her mother saw Naomi asking for some cash and gas so she could return home, but that request was later retracted as she stated she found a ride.
The mother presumed her daughter was just having a good time, but by 5am on Thursday morning, when she still hadn't returned, Drea became worried.
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It was then the mother was awaken by a heartbreaking text message from her teenage daughter that read: "I got shot. Mama. Plz. Help me."
The mother told The Oregonian: "If she hadn’t made it to the hospital, she wouldn’t have survived. She lost so much blood."
Drea arrived to her daughter at around 6am, where she was in a critical condition at OHSU Hospital in Portland.
Naomi had been hit in the stomach by a bullet at close range, and was ultimately left fighting for her life.
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The teenager remains in intensive care.
"She's hooked up to machines, and her whole abdomen is still open," the mother added.
"The doctor did tell me there was a chance she might not make it and so it's just been a struggle."
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In less than a week, Naomi has undergone four different surgeries to repair internal damage, and she is due for a fifth one later this week.
18-year-old Sky Korbut has since been arrested in connection with the shooting, and faces charges of third-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up for Naomi, with the page's organizer stating: " Naomi is a 16-year-old girl, who is currently fighting for her life in the icu due to a gun shooting on 11/21. She was shot in her stomach and it has effected many organs and parts in her body, Im making this to at least try and help pay the expenses of hospital bills, recovery stuff, etc etc. She’s too young, full of life for something like this to happen.
"Anything will be much appreciated. Thank you in advance. Please keep her in your prayers."
Callum Jones