‘She was going to do something great.’ FVSU student mourned by family, friends

Princess. North star. Laila Dragonfly.

Loved ones called Laila Ali Gadson many names, each a reflection of the light she carried into every space she entered.

Laila, 18, was a sophomore animal science major at Fort Valley State University. Before her death, she lived in Stockbridge.

The Henry County Coroner’s Office said she was pronounced dead at the Piedmont Henry Hospital on Dec. 27, 2025, due to natural causes. Her father, Rickey Gadson, said she died from complications related to the flu.

In the months since, family members, friends and university officials have mourned a young woman they described as radiant, driven and unforgettable.

The university announced the unrelated deaths of two students, Laila among them, on Feb. 6 and called on the campus community to uplift the families during a time of “collective grief.”

“She just did so much and had so much planned,” her mother, Kiana Ali, told The Telegraph in a phone interview. “It’s a shock to all of us, and I don’t think anybody thought about not having her around.”

Kiana said her daughter had long-term goals. She dreamed of becoming a veterinary surgeon and planned to attend medical school.

The support from FVSU reflected the deep connection Laila felt to the campus, her mother said.

“Fort Valley felt like family. It felt like a home. She just really thrived there,” Kiana said, noting that Laila chose the HBCU after being accepted into six colleges.

Rickey Gadson, a 13-time motorcycle drag racing world champion and co-host of the Caffeine and Octane car show, described the loss of his daughter as an “emotional rollercoaster.”

“My love for her was unmeasurable,” he said.

Gadson said Laila was fearless from a young age and eager to try new things: modeling, singing, dancing, motorcycle riding and casually holding dragonflies in the palm of her hands.

“She was very dedicated and extremely talented,” he said, adding that she sang alone at the White House in 2018. “She excelled in everything she put her mind to, and it was nothing to her. If something was too hard, she didn’t complain. She just did it.”

Rickey said the pain he feels is compounded by the potential Laila carried.

“I promise you my daughter was going to do something great,” Rickey said.

Impact on Middle Georgia community

Kiana said she has spent the past few weeks reflecting on her daughter’s impact.

Laila was actively involved in her community, including working with her mother and sister at their Georgia-based nonprofit Straight Path 4 Humanity that assists college students with career development and provides food and housing assistance.

Kiana said she plans to continue the nonprofit in her daughter’s honor.

On campus, student organizations shared tributes remembering her presence with them and leaving a mark on the Wildcat community.

In a Jan. 1 Instagram post, the FVSU Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences organization remembered Laila “for her infectious laugh, beautiful spirit, and heavy involvement.”

The FVSU Royal Elite Modeling Troupe, which knew Laila as “Princess,” also shared a tribute Dec. 30.

“Her presence within our troupe was powerful, her spirit unforgettable, and her influence deeply felt by everyone who had the honor of knowing her,” the group posted online. “Laila brought creativity, strength, and kindness into every space she entered, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us.”

‘Outgoing student and a great partner’

As tributes poured in online, those closest to her on campus felt the loss deeply.

Lance Turner, Laila’s boyfriend and FVSU class of 2028 student, said Laila started her days with an early-morning prayer or by studying thoroughly for a class. He said she carried herself with confidence and always made others feel included through offering advice or nurturing her friendships.

“She was very excited about the path that she was on because she knew how far she was going to go,” Turner said in an audio recording sent to The Telegraph .

When asked what people on campus might not have known about Laila, Turner said it was how much she cared about making a difference in the world.

“Even though she had a real big personality, she still kept a lot of the things that she did private until it needed to come to light,” he said. “They probably just saw her as an outgoing student and a great partner... and an even better friend.”

For Kiana, hearing from students about the ways her daughter encouraged them — inspiring them to join organizations and put themselves out there — has brought a measure of comfort, she said.

“Nothing makes this all go away, but it feels amazing when people come to you and tell you the things that these kids have come to tell me about the impact Lai had on them that I never want to go away,” she said.

In remembering Laila, Fort Valley State University students and officials also mourn the loss of another student, Justice Toomer, who died on Jan. 31.