The Incident: April 16, 2022

On the evening of April 16, 2022, Aaliyah Gailes, a promising basketball player and top recruit for USC, was involved in a traumatic event that forever changed her life. Aaliyah, along with her girlfriend, attended a house party in North Las Vegas. What was meant to be an evening of fun quickly escalated into chaos. A verbal altercation with uninvited guests led to a violent confrontation, during which Aaliyah was shot multiple times.

The shots left her with injuries that would challenge her in ways she never imagined. Aaliyah suffered a total of nine gunshot wounds, primarily to her arms and legs, resulting in multiple fractures. Despite the severity of the injuries and the immediate danger to her life, Aaliyah's spirit remained unbroken. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors fought to save her life.

At one point, Aaliyah felt her body giving up. Her eyes closed, and she felt herself slipping away, but the support and determination of those around her—doctors, family, and friends—kept her fighting. The road to recovery was long and filled with challenges, but Aaliyah’s resilience stood strong.

Though this tragedy threatened her dreams, it did not destroy them. In the months that followed, Aaliyah began a remarkable recovery process, defying expectations with her strength and determination. She not only fought for her life but also fought to return to the game she loved. Her journey from recovery to the court is an inspiring testament to her incredible willpower and commitment to her goals.