Layla Nicole Adaway, 14, Dies in Gas City as Indiana Community Mourns Teen
Layla Nicole Adaway, 14, of Jonesboro, Indiana, is being remembered by her family, friends, classmates, and community as a bright and compassionate teenager whose personality could light up a room. Born June 22, 2012, in Marion, Indiana, Layla died at 3:54 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Gas City Park in Gas City.
Layla was the beloved daughter of Jessica Kirby and Shawndell Adaway Sr. She was a freshman at Mississinewa High School in Gas City and attended Encore Dance Academy in Fairmount, where she enjoyed pursuing her passion for dance.
Those who knew Layla remembered her as loud, proud, intelligent, sweet, and kind. Her family described her as spunky from childhood, with a sassy and fiery personality that remained part of her identity throughout her life.
Friends also remembered Layla for her ability to make people smile. When someone was struggling, she often tried to lift their spirits, make them laugh, or simply listen. Stories shared by those who knew her describe a teenager who stood up for others, including people experiencing bullying, and encouraged friends during difficult moments.
Layla enjoyed hair, cooking, makeup, nails, and dance. She loved spending time FaceTiming friends, experimenting with wild makeup looks to make others laugh, and enjoying favorite treats such as Taco Bell and Alani energy drinks. These everyday interests are now among the memories cherished by those closest to her.
Following her death, hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember Layla and share stories about the teenager whose kindness had touched many lives. Her passing has left a deep sense of loss among her classmates, friends, family, and members of the dance community.
Layla leaves behind her mother, Jessica Kirby (Yousef), and father, Shawndell (Tena) Adaway, along with her siblings, step-siblings, grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, and many other loved ones.
Although Layla’s life ended far too soon, her family and friends will continue to remember the laughter, creativity, kindness, and fiery spirit she brought into their lives. The memories she created and the people she encouraged will remain part of the legacy she leaves behind.
