ELKTON, Md. (WJZ) — Heavy hearts in Cecil County. Mourners pay their respects to a 10-year-old girl killed by a stray bullet.

Adam May has more.

Candles burn and tears are shed for Aaliyah Boyer, the child killed right after the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“It was her running in and telling me. She came in and said, ‘Gigi, I came in to see the ball drop’ and I had to tell her, ‘Baby, you missed it by 30 seconds,’” said Cheri Blackburn, Aaliyah’s grandmother, “She said, ‘That’s OK, I’ll just go back outside and see the fireworks.’”

Moments later, Aaliyah collapsed in her grandparents’ yard.

A random celebratory gunshot fired from who knows where claimed the girl’s life.

Now, a few days later, her family says Aaliyah’s warm spirit is helping others.

“She was an organ donor. That was not a family decision. When she found about that program, she said that would be so cool to help other people,” said Blackburn.

As police continue to search for the irresponsible gun owner who fired the shot, Aaliyah’s family feels comfort from the outpouring of support for the child they called their little princess.

“It feels like Aaliyah brought us all together. Giving us a big hug, the whole family at the same time,” said James Blackburn, Aaliyah’s grandfather.

Police have the bullet. They are looking at registered weapons and sifting through tips.