USC women’s basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles has undergone emergency surgery after being shot at a house party in Las Vegas.
Gayles was reportedly shot over ten times as she left a house party in North Las Vegas. Local police said gunfire rang out following an argument at the party, which took place at the 4900 block of Support St. near Simmons St. and Lone Mountain Rd. on Apr. 16. She was one of four attendees, including two minors, shot during the incident.
The high school basketball star was rushed to a local hospital, where she underwent three surgeries.
“She [doesn’t] go to house parties, whatsoever, and she went to this house party and got shot,” Gayles’ mother, Malkia Lockett, told Fox5.
Her parents were reportedly home that evening when they received a call about their daughter.
“She [doesn’t] deserve what she’s going through in there right now,” Lockett said.
The Spring Valley High School senior and point guard has been one of the top recruits in America and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. She also ranked no. 8 in ESPN’s Class of 2022 and led her school to the Class 5A state tournament.
“Aaliyah is one of the strongest, most resilient young people I have ever known,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement to the sports outlet. “I have no doubt she will continue to face this unfathomable situation with courage and resolve. We will continue to support her and her parents in every way that we possibly can.”
On Apr. 17, Gayles’ father, Dwight Gayles’ asked supporters of his daughter to keep her in their prayers.
“I know there [are] some [people who] will say it’s my fault, and I take full responsibility, but please keep my baby girl in your prayers, Las Vegas. I will give everyone that [supports] Aaliyah an update, but she’s ok. [She will] make it like always. Thank you all. [She’s] a true warrior.”
https://twitter.com/DGayles3/status/1515828086763184133?s=20&t=Rh25rJh63ssJ2UPZNgjKGw
According to a GoFundMe page created by Sally Blair, a friend of Gayles’ high school coach, Spring Valley captain Garrisen Freeman, the surgery was one of many that the 18-year-old must endure. Blair launched the GoFundMe on Apr. 18 to cover expenses that would incur as a result of the procedures.
“This account has been established to help Aaliyah and her family in the recovery and rehabilitation process as it’ll undoubtedly be a long journey that includes surgeries, travel, rehabilitation, medical bills, and time away from work,” she wrote.
So far, she has raised $14,205 of her $25,000 goal.
“The family is overwhelmed with gratitude for the amount of support this community has shown. The journey to recovery won’t be easy, but this star always finds a way to persevere and will continue to do so,” Blair added.
