Philadelphia High School Student Killed In Orlando Nightclub Shooting

Philadelphia, PA -- A recent graduate of West Catholic Prep in Philadelphia has been confirmed among those killed in the attack in Orlando early Sunday morning, the school said on its website.

Akyra Murray, a member of the class of 2016, was one of 49 people killed when a gunman entered Pulse Nightclub in Orlando at about 2 a.m. Sunday.

In a statement, West Catholic called Akyra a "superstar" and a leader both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

During her career at West Catholic, Akyra achieved the 1,000 point milestone. She had also recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Mercyhurst College, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.

An additional 53 people were injured in what was the deadliest mass shooting in United States history.

"At a time like this, let us work together to move beyond fear," the school said in its statement. "Let us come together to find peace and strength. Our hearts are broken, but together we will mourn Akyra's loss and provide comfort to one another to honor the memory of such a wonderful young lady. "

The school is planning a vigil to honor Akyra’s memory, and the public is invited. The vigil is planned for the evening of Wednesday, June 15. Further details will be provided on West Catholic's website when they become available.

Akyra is the second victim that has been identified from the Philadelphia area. Patience Carter, a 20-year-old Philadelphia woman who is an intern at FOX 29, was shot in the leg. She was in stable condition on Monday.

Victims continued to be identified throughout the day on Monday as authorities recovered bodies from the nightclub.

The gunman has been identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, who was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire. Mateen had been the subject of two terrorism-related investigations of by the FBI, both of which were closed for lack of evidence. Despite his claims of allegiance to ISIS, the FBI said he had no known ties to the group or direct ties to any other terrorist. Read more.

Image via West Catholic High School.