Aaliyah Gayles conscious, recovering after being shot 10 times
Spring Valley High basketball star Aaliyah Gayles was conscious Monday morning following emergency surgery Sunday to treat gunshot wounds sustained at a house party in North Las Vegas, people familiar with the situation told the Review-Journal.
Gayles, 18, was shot 10 times, including eight in the legs and ankles, at the party Saturday night, sources said. She underwent a third surgery Monday, and her father, Dwight Gayles, posted on Twitter that it went well and she is expected to make a full recovery.
A fundraiser was established via GoFundMe to support her recovery.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good 🙏🏾 can't ansr everyone at one time so I come here to let everyone know that 3rd surgery went very well and we expect a full recovery thank you everyone for your support 🤞🏾❤️
GOD bless.....✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/OQiKkfXh9J— D.Gayles (@DGayles3) April 19, 2022
Gayles, a 5-foot-9-inch point guard, was a McDonald’s All-American as a senior this past season, when she averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists in leading the Grizzlies to the Class 5A state tournament. She has committed to Southern California.
“Aaliyah is one of the strongest, most resilient young people I have ever known,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement. “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.”
Basketball luminaries have shown support for Gayles via social media.
“Lifting Aaliyah Gayles up in prayer!” WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes tweeted.
Aces All-Star forward Dearica Hamby shares a trainer with Gayles and tweeted a link to her fundraiser Monday before the WNBA team’s practice at Cox Pavilion.
“Vegas is kind of a basketball community, so just showing support during a tragic situation. Just doing what I can,” Hamby said. “We’re thankful that she’s alive. We’re here for her.”
Hamby said she and teammate Kelsey Plum donated to the fundraiser, and Aces star A’ja Wilson said she plans to.
“I know times are tough right now, but she’s always in our prayers,” Wilson said. “The Aces are behind her 100 percent. … Right now, she just needs support and prayer. I know she’s a warrior. I know she’s going to fight through it.”
Contact Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.
