Popular TikToker's Son Killed In Shooting The Day Before His Birthday

Known by her TikTok followers as "Mama Tot," Ophelia Nichols, @shoelover99 is an upbeat, positive content creator who is known for her Southern accent and loving, supportive messages. Sadly, her recent video contained tragic news about her son, and a plea to anyone listening for help.

On Friday night, Nichol's youngest son, Randon Lee, was shot and killed at a gas station in Prichard, Alabama; just one day before his birthday. She posted a video to TikTok on Saturday stating, "Today would have been my baby child's 19th birthday, but he was took from me last night. Took from my children and my husband and our family. My son was murdered. He was shot."

Through her grief and tears, she pleaded to her followers for any help they could give. She continued, "The word is already gotten out and I'm just being overloaded with messages. And I need to let everybody know. But I'm doing this video for a reason. Because I need y'all's help. I never asked y'all for anything, but I need your help with this. There's almost 7 million people that follow me.  Somebody's got to know something. Today would have been my baby child's 19th birthday, but he was [taken] from me last night."

According to WKRN, after being shot, Lee drove down the street to a different gas station where he was later found dead.

Her touching video also explained how this grief has stuck her in a way she's never experienced. "And I have this hatred in my heart that I don't recognize. Because I have never felt hate for anybody," she emotionally explained. "This individual took my son's life. He was just 18 years old. That's the best part of somebody's life." She then began to speak directly to whoever caused this immense tragedy. "And I know they're out there in my town. They're out there. They're out there living and breathing but my son is dead. Somebody knows who did this to my child. And I'm asking for somebody's help. Anybody's help. It's my son."

A few hours after posting her emotional video, Nichols updated her followers in the comment section stating, "Just been told we have a lead on two individuals. I hope they see this video and know what they have done to my family." The homicide remains under investigation.

Calling her followers, "her little tator tots," Nichols' usual content is supportive and helpful. She's known to give upbeat advice to anyone dealing with life issues, as she recounts many of her own life experiences to help others in a positive way. Just before this tragedy happened, Nichols shared a video at an Alabama beach of the beautiful view. She is mom to three other children with Randon being her youngest.