On April 29, 2025, the Loris, South Carolina, community mourned the tragic shooting death of 18-year-old high school basketball star Ja’Niya Richburg at her home in Conway.
A bullet pierced through a window, striking Ja’Niya and ending a life full of promise.
SAD UPDATE: Horry County Schools confirmed Ja'Niya Richburg was a senior at Loris High School.https://t.co/C8SzuEP5OR
— WMBF News (@wmbfnews) April 30, 2025
As the community grieves, many people are looking for answers. They are dealing with their sadness and remembering a young woman whose lively spirit affected many lives.
At the heart of this loss are Ja’Niya Richburg’s parents, who are now facing the pain of losing their beloved daughter.
Richburg Was A True Game-Changer With Each Appearance On The Court
Ja’Niya Richburg was a basketball player. Standing 5’8”, she dominated the court as a small forward and center for the Loris Lions, proudly wearing the #14 jersey.
This year, she celebrated a monumental achievement: scoring her 1,000th career point, cementing her place in Loris High School history.
She was the first player in the school to score 1,000 points and get 1,000 rebounds. This shows her hard work and skill.
Ja’Niya’s basketball journey began at Green Sea Floyd’s High School, where she played from 2019 to 2022.
There, she wore the #4 jersey, showcasing her versatility as a point guard and shooting guard.
In 2021, she joined the Loris Lions, where her star continued to rise.
Named the 2024 Region V-AAA Preseason Player of the Year, Ja’Niya was a two-time All-State recipient and a three-time All-Region honoree.
In March 2025, she shone brightly in the North-South All-Star Game, earning accolades for her effort and toughness.
Prep Girls Hoops South Carolina described her as a player who “brought EFFORT AND TOUGHNESS EVERY TIME OUT,” a sentiment echoed by coaches and fans alike.
But Ja’Niya’s brilliance extended beyond athletics. An A/B honor student with a 3.7 GPA, she was a dedicated scholar with dreams of studying pre-med in college.
With 17 college acceptances, her future was as bright as her smile. After completing her high school studies, she wanted to go to pre-medical school.
Ja’Niya proved that hard work and heart could pave the way for greatness.
Ja’Niya was born to Tiffany Oliver Davis, and though details about her parents and siblings remain private, it’s clear that family was at the core of her world.
Ja’Niya was at home with her loved ones on that fateful night, where she should have been safe.
One poignant post captured the frustration and heartbreak:-
“At home with her family, not getting into trouble, not anywhere she shouldn’t have been. Her whole life in front of her. And now it’s all over due to gun violence. I rarely make posts like this, but this is out of control. Our kids are not safe inside their own homes. Please pray for her family, and pray for legislative discernment and for leadership that can do something effective against this epidemic. Ja’Niya your life mattered; you deserved better. We failed you 💔”
Via Facebook
The pain of Ja’Niya’s parents and siblings is unimaginable. Losing a daughter and sister so suddenly, in such a senseless act, has left a pain that words cannot fill.
The Conway Police Department responded to reports of shots fired at 10:53 p.m., but despite their efforts, Ja’Niya could not be saved.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to call 843-248-1790.
This tragedy marks the second deadly shooting in the Horry Street area in recent weeks, raising concerns about safety in the community.
The News Of Ja’Niya’s Passing Sent Shockwaves Through Loris And Beyond
Horry County Schools released a statement expressing profound sadness:
“Ja’Niya Richburg, a senior at Loris High School, was known for her vibrant personality as well as her outstanding achievements in both academics and athletics. We have received limited information regarding her passing, and we will continue to honor the family’s privacy. The loss of a student impacts the entire school community; therefore, Loris High School is offering counseling services to any student or staff member who may be affected by this tragedy.”
Via WBTW News13
The school is offering counseling services to students and staff, recognizing the deep impact of her loss.
Coaches, teammates, and fans offered tributes, each painting a picture of a young woman who was as kind as she was talented.
Another person wrote:
Coach Russell from Waccamaw High School shared a moving tribute:
“My heart goes out to the family, friends, teammates, and coaches of Ja’Niya Richburg, the talented Loris Lions basketball player who tragically passed away last night. Though we were on opposite sides of the court, her skill and dedication to the game was undeniable. I’m incredibly saddened by this news, as I was just speaking with a group of coaches about Ja’Niya’s talent, and the only conversation we had with her after our final game playing against her. It’s was such a pleasure to converse with this young lady and an absolute honor to watch her develop on that court. May the entire Loris community be lifted in prayer during this difficult time. Rest in peace, #14.”
Via Facebook
RIP #14
— Prep Girls Hoops South Carolina (@PGH_SCarolina) April 30, 2025
This sucks just hate to see this happen to anyone at this age.
Gone way too soon. Covered her several times over the past 4 years. She brought EFFORT AND TOUGHNESS EVERY-TIME OUT.
Recently played in the North-South All Star Game.
RIP – Janiya Richburg pic.twitter.com/mroTZEmLLE
Ja’Niya’s death has sparked conversations about gun violence and the safety of young people, even in their own homes.
One poignant post captured the frustration and heartbreak:
“Rest in Peace, Janiya Richburg
Via Facebok
A true game changer every time she stepped on the court.
Janiya wasn’t just a standout athlete, she was a bright light with an even brighter future. She was on the verge of signing to play at the next level, a reflection of her hard work, passion, and unmatched talent. More than just a player, Janiya was a cherished friend and a daughter taken far too soon. Her impact, both on and off the court, will never be forgotten.”
As the Loris community rallies around Ja’Niya’s family, her legacy lives on in the memories of her infectious energy, fierce determination, and unwavering love for those around her.
She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a role model who inspired everyone she met.
For Ja’Niya Richburg’s parents, the road ahead is heavy with grief, but they are not alone.
A community stands with them, honoring their daughter’s light and praying for healing in the face of such a devastating loss.
Rest in peace, Ja’Niya. Your life mattered, and you will never be forgotten.
