Former Adams State University basketball player, Kayla Harris, was tragically named as one of the victims in a horrific Las Vegas mass shooting. The devastating incident occurred on Monday, June 24, when a gunman unleashed chaos at an apartment complex in north Las Vegas, claiming the lives of five individuals and critically injuring a 13-year-old girl who remains in critical condition.
Kayla Harris, a talented athlete and dedicated student, was pursuing her Master's degree in Business Administration at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, after completing her Bachelor's degree in the fall of 2023. Hailing from Las Vegas, Harris made significant contributions to the Adams State basketball team, helping them reach the semifinals of the women's Division II South Central Region tournament earlier this year. In her final game, she showcased her skills with a remarkable season-high of 15 points.
The news of Kayla Harris's untimely death has left the Adams State community and her loved ones in profound sorrow. Adams State President David Tandberg expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating, "We were privileged to watch Kayla excel on and off the court. It feels nearly impossible to understand and cope with losing a young woman so early in her promising life."
Earlier this month, Harris shared a series of photos on Instagram from her summer in Las Vegas, creating a poignant space for friends and family to honor her memory. Tributes poured in, with one person describing her as "a legend that's never forgotten" and another expressing love and regret for not saying it sooner.
The tragic shooting was perpetrated by a man identified as 47-year-old Eric Adams, who opened fire near the intersection of Commerce Street and Lone Mountain Road in Las Vegas. The senseless act claimed the lives of individuals across different age groups, including Harris, and left a community reeling from the loss.
Following the shooting, the gunman fled the scene and evaded authorities until the next day when he was located at a Las Vegas business. Despite commands from the police to surrender, the man chose to end his own life in a nearby backyard. Authorities have classified the incident as an "isolated" one, but the impact of such violence reverberates far beyond the immediate tragedy.
Kayla Harris's legacy as a talented athlete, dedicated student, and beloved individual will endure in the hearts of those who knew her. Her untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As the community mourns the loss of a bright young star, her spirit lives on through the memories and impact she left behind.
