In the week since 26-year-old hairstylist Gabryel Ayers was fatally shot when three gunmen opened fire on her car in Chicago, grief has rippled far beyond her family. Friends, loyal clients, and members of the local beauty community have struggled to process the sudden loss of a woman many describe as driven, warm-hearted, and fiercely dedicated to her craft.

Now, a close client has come forward with a revelation that is adding a haunting layer to an already devastating tragedy.

“She was the most dedicated and passionate stylist I’ve ever met,” the client shared. “I had a haircut scheduled with her early that morning. I texted to confirm, like I always do. Her response wasn’t what I expected.”

According to the client, Ayers replied with a message that felt unusually reflective — and unsettling. While the exact wording has not been fully disclosed, the client said the tone was different from Ayers’ typical upbeat and energetic personality.

“It wasn’t like her,” the client explained. “She was always positive, always focused on her work, always excited about new styles or ideas. But that morning, she said something that made me pause. I didn’t think much of it at the time… but now I can’t stop thinking about it.”

The client initially chose to keep the conversation private. Fear, they say, played a major role.

“With everything that happened — the shooting, the rumors, the questions — I was scared. I didn’t know if sharing it would put me or anyone else at risk,” the client admitted. “But after a week, I realized staying silent didn’t feel right.”

The message has now been made public, sparking intense speculation online. Some believe it suggests Ayers may have felt uneasy or sensed that something wasn’t right. Others caution against reading too much into words written during what might have simply been a stressful morning.

Authorities have not indicated that Ayers knew her attackers or had prior warning of the violence that unfolded. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, while family members and loved ones plead for answers.

For those who knew her best, however, the focus remains on who she was — not just how she died.

“She built more than hairstyles,” another friend said. “She built confidence. She built relationships. Her salon chair was a safe space.”

Clients describe her as someone who remembered birthdays, checked in on life updates, and celebrated milestones alongside the people she served. Many say appointments felt more like therapy sessions than simple beauty services.

Now, her salon stands as a painful reminder of a life cut short.

Whether her final messages carried hidden meaning or were simply the words of a busy young professional navigating an ordinary day, one thing is certain: the loss of Gabryel Ayers has left a void that cannot be filled.

As the investigation continues, her community is holding onto memories — and hoping that the truth behind the tragedy will soon come to light.