Aaliyah Gayles, an acclaimed USC basketball recruit and McDonald’s All-American, was shot dead at a house party in Las Vegas over the weekend.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that four people were shot at a party Saturday night.
Gales, 18, reportedly underwent two emergency surgeries. She was not shot in the head or torso.
Gales, an eighth-ranked guard in ESPN’s 2022 class, is averaging 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists in 2021-22.
“I know some people will say it’s my fault and I take full responsibility for it, but please keep my little girl praying in Las Vegas,” Gales’ father, Dwight, tweeted. “I’ll give an update to all those who support Aaliyah but she’s fine, she’s doing as usual, thank you to all of you true fighters.”
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb confirmed news of the shooting to ESPN.
“Aaliyah is one of the strongest, most resilient young men I know,” Gottlieb said. “I have no doubt that she will continue to face this unfathomable situation with courage and determination. We will continue to support her and her parents in every way possible.”
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