USC women’s basketball commit Aaliyah Gayles was conscious Monday following emergency surgeries to treat gunshot wounds she sustained at a house party in North Las Vegas late Saturday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
The McDonald’s All-American was shot 10 times, according to the Review-Journal, including eight times in the legs and ankles.
Her father Dwight Gayles said Tuesday on Twitter that she had undergone a third surgery that “went very well.”
“We expect a full recovery,” he wrote. “Thank you everyone for your support.”
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 🤞🏾❤️
— D.Gayles (@DGayles3) April 19, 2022
GOD bless.....✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/OQiKkfXh9J
WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes was one of many to send support, tweeting that she is “lifting Aaliyah Gayles up in prayer!”
Aces All-Star Dearica Hamby, who has the same trainer as Gayles, tweeted a link to a fundraiser that has been set up to support the high school senior’s recovery. As of noon Tuesday, the fundraiser already has surpassed $13,000.
“Vegas is kind of a basketball community, so just showing support during a tragic situation. Just doing what I can,” Hamby told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We’re thankful that she’s alive. We’re here for her.”
Both she and teammate Kelsey Plum have donated to the fundraiser, and A’ja Wilson said that she intends to do so as well.
“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.”