by San Francisco, California — A Friday afternoon shooting near a busy city park has left a San Francisco family grieving after a 15-year-old girl was fatally struck by gunfire while police say she was not the intended target.
The victim has been identified by her family as Jayda Mabrey, a high school sophomore who was in the area when shots rang out near **Golden Gate Avenue and Laguna Street shortly after 5 p.m. Authorities say two other teenagers were also wounded in the shooting.
Police have not announced any arrests, and investigators say the search for the shooter remains ongoing.
Teen described as innocent bystander
According to relatives, Jayda was not involved in any dispute and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when the gunfire erupted. Her family says she was an innocent bystander who became caught in the crossfire during the incident.
Two additional teens were injured, though officials have not released information about the severity of their injuries or whether they were targeted.
San Francisco police said officers responded quickly to reports of gunfire, but despite emergency efforts, Jayda did not survive her injuries.
School community reacts to devastating loss
Jayda was a 10th-grade student at Gateway High School, where administrators and classmates are struggling to come to terms with her sudden death.
In a statement released Monday, school officials described Jayda as a student who left a lasting impression on those around her.
“Jayda was a cherished member of our school community—deeply loved by her peers, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her,” said Dr. Alicia Montgomery, executive director of Gateway Public Schools.
“Her loss is felt profoundly across our campuses.”
Counseling services have been made available to students and staff as the school works to support those affected by the tragedy.
Family says younger sister witnessed shooting
Adding to the heartbreak, family members shared that Jayda’s younger sister witnessed the shooting, a detail that has deeply shaken loved ones and community members alike.
Relatives described Jayda as a bright, caring teenager with a close bond to her family. In an online fundraiser created to help support funeral costs, family members said they are struggling to process how quickly their lives changed.
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The fundraiser also emphasized that Jayda had dreams for her future and was focused on her education.
Investigation continues as questions remain
Police have not released suspect descriptions or confirmed whether the shooting was gang-related or tied to a specific dispute. Detectives are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses who were in the area at the time.
Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward, noting that even small details could help advance the investigation.
While violent crime has fluctuated across San Francisco in recent years, incidents involving teen victims and bystanders have reignited concerns about public safety and gun violence in neighborhoods where families and children gather.
Community grapples with ongoing violence
Jayda’s death has sparked renewed conversations among residents about youth safety, gun access, and the emotional toll of violence on families.
Community leaders say tragedies like this leave lasting scars, particularly when young lives are lost without warning.
“When a child is killed simply for being nearby, it forces all of us to confront how vulnerable our communities really are,” one local advocate said.
As vigils and memorials begin to appear near the site of the shooting, many residents are calling for accountability and meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies.
A life remembered, a city searching for answers
As the investigation continues, Jayda Mabrey is being remembered not for how she died, but for who she was — a student, a sister, and a teenager whose life ended far too soon.
Her family says they hope sharing her story will not only honor her memory but also encourage change.
What do you think should be done to prevent innocent bystanders from becoming victims of gun violence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
