Tragedy Strikes Kill Devil Hills: Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier

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News Summary

A day of fun at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills turned tragic when a shooting occurred, resulting in chaos and a young life lost. A 15-year-old suffered serious injuries and a 19-year-old was killed. The police have charged a suspect, and the community mourns this shocking event while grappling with the aftermath of violence in their usually peaceful town.

Tragedy Strikes Kill Devil Hills: A Day at Avalon Fishing Pier Turns to Chaos

In the picturesque town of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where families flock to enjoy the company of the ocean and bask in the sun, the vibe took a shocking turn this Thursday afternoon. Reports confirmed a shooting incident at the beloved Avalon Fishing Pier, resulting in immediate chaos and a heavy response from local law enforcement and emergency medical services.

A Day Gone Awry

Witnesses were left reeling as the usual tranquil scene morphed into a nightmare. The Kill Devil Hills Police Department has yet to elaborate on the specifics of the incident, but it has been confirmed that a shooting occurred at the iconic fishing locale, which regularly attracts both tourists and locals. An employee from a nearby shop was one of the first to confirm that violence had erupted during what should have been a peaceful day of fishing.

Austin Ayers, a local journalist, reported that the situation was evolving rapidly and expressed deep concern for everyone involved. The aftermath was dire, with a 15-year-old boy suffering a gunshot wound to the thigh and subsequently airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for critical care. The boy’s father later relayed that his son is in a critical state, marking a painful beginning to what was supposed to be a normal summer day.

A Life Lost

Tragically, the incident also claimed the life of 19-year-old Zane Hughes. His mother, shattered and in disbelief, described her son’s death as a “vicious” act of violence, bewildering everyone in the normally family-oriented community. With hearts heavy, friends and family members are coming to terms with this senseless tragedy.

The main suspect, identified as 16-year-old Henry Hargis, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill. Reports suggest that prior conflicts between Hughes and Hargis fueled an already heated situation. Hargis was apprehended without incident during a traffic stop, and is now being held in a juvenile detention facility as the legal proceedings get underway.

A Shock to the Community

The Kill Devil Hills community is grappling with shock and grief following the violence that occurred in a place that usually embodies fun and relaxation. The Avalon Fishing Pier has always been a go-to spot for families and fishermen alike, making the violent outbreak all the more jarring.

The police confirmed that the shooting was targeted and isolated, assuring the locals there was no ongoing threat to public safety. However, this reassurance does little to soothe the anxiety that has settled over the town. It was disclosed that there had been a sequence of disputes leading up to this incident—both Hughes and Hargis reportedly had previous legal troubles that marked a history of “bad blood” between the two young men.

Social media updates from official sources at the Avalon Fishing Pier indicated that the shooting stemmed from a feud between two young individuals. Witness accounts were crucial and aided in Hargis’s quick arrest mere moments after the chaos unfolded.

Remembering Zane

In a poignant reflection of the community’s sorrow, a vigil has been organized at Avalon Fishing Pier in memory of Zane Hughes, bringing people together to honor the life lost in such a tragic manner. Meanwhile, the emotional toll is evident. Families, still grappling with the aftermath, are struggling to comprehend how an idyllic day could devolve into a scene of violence and heartache.

Hargis will face legal proceedings with a probable cause hearing scheduled for August 12. As the community mourns the loss of a young life and supports another fighting for survival, the senselessness of the act lingers in the air like a heavy mist over the ocean.

This tragic incident in Kill Devil Hills reminds us all that even the most beautiful places can be shaken by unforeseen events. While the police continue their investigation, one thing is for certain—the community will have to unite and heal as they navigate through this dark chapter together, striving to restore the peace that once filled their cherished fishing pier.

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.