Health of surviving Cracker Barrel shooting victim, Kayla Allen, degrades; moving to hospice care

CLEVELAND - The only surviving victim of the Cracker Barrel shooting last month in Northeast Ohio is not expected to make it, her family said.

A post on the Facebook page for 10-year-old Kayla Allen said Friday that her health has degraded and her family has made the decision to place her in hospice care.

Here is an excerpt of the post:

“I have been asked to deliver the most heart breaking news. Kayla's health has taken a turn for the worse. After extensive discussions with the doctors and long prayerful consideration amongst themselves, Kayla's family made the decision to place her in the Hospice Care Program at Hospice of the Western Reserve. Everyone is in agreement that this is what is best for Kayla.”

Police said Kayla’s father, 51-year-old Kevin Allen opened fire inside the restaurant, killing her mom, 42-year-old Kate Allen, and sister, 10-year-old Kerri Allen. Kayla was rushed to the hospital after also being shot.

Officers shot and killed Kevin Allen as he was exiting the restaurant, after they said he did not comply with their orders to surrender.

Kayla’s condition has since fluctuated from critical to fair, and she currently remains hospitalized in serious condition, according to a hospital spokesperson.

“The family thanks everyone for all their prayers, well wishes, gifts and love through this very difficult time,” said the post.

On Thursday, an area Bob Evans restaurants held a fundraiser for Kayla Allen, giving 15 percent of all sales to the Kayla Allen Fund. The family said it will make an announcement Monday about the fund’s future.