Former Adams State University basketball player Kayla Harris was tragically killed in a mass shooting in Las Vegas on June 24. The shooting, which also claimed the lives of four others and critically injured a 13-year-old girl, shocked the Adams State community and her family. Harris was working towards her Master’s degree in Business Administration after completing her Bachelor’s degree at the university. She had recently helped the Adams State women’s basketball team reach the semifinals of the Division II South Central Region tournament before her untimely death.
Adams State President David Tandberg expressed his devastation over Harris’ death, highlighting her contributions both on and off the court. He described her as a promising young woman who will be deeply missed by the Grizzly community. Harris had shared photos from her summer in Las Vegas on Instagram just prior to the shooting, creating a space for friends and family to remember her fondly. The tragic event has left many in disbelief and sadness, with messages of love and remembrance flooding her social media posts.
The shooting was carried out by a 47-year-old man named Eric Adams, who opened fire at an apartment complex in north Las Vegas, targeting several individuals including Harris. After committing the act, Adams fled the scene and was not found by authorities until the following day, when he was located at a Las Vegas business. Despite police commands to drop his weapon, Adams fled into a nearby backyard where he ultimately took his own life. Authorities have described the incident as isolated, but the impact on those affected, including the Adams State community, has been profound.
As news of the shooting spread, the community grieved the loss of Kayla Harris and the other victims of the tragic event. Her untimely death has left many in shock and disbelief, as they struggle to come to terms with the senseless act of violence that took her life. Harris had been a bright and promising young woman, excelling both academically and athletically, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her. The Adams State President and community expressed their heartfelt condolences to Harris’ family and friends, offering support during this difficult time.
The loss of Kayla Harris has also sparked discussions on gun violence and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The devastating impact of mass shootings like the one in Las Vegas serves as a reminder of the urgency to address the underlying issues that contribute to these senseless acts of violence. As friends and family mourn the loss of a beloved member of their community, they also advocate for change to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others. The memory of Kayla Harris will continue to live on through the love and support of those who knew her, as they honor her legacy and strive for a safer future for all.
