News Summary
A shooting incident at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills resulted in the death of Zane Hughes, a 19-year-old, and left another teenager injured. The suspect, a 16-year-old, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Witnesses rushed to help the injured 15-year-old before he was airlifted to a hospital. The community mourns Hughes’ loss as discussions about youth violence intensify following the incident. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist his family with funeral expenses.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, North Carolina — A tragic shooting incident at Avalon Fishing Pier has resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man, Zane Hughes, and left another individual injured. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon and led to the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect.
The shooting occurred around 2:37 PM in the crowded parking lot of the pier, which was filled with vacationers and fishermen enjoying the summer weather. Zane Hughes, a resident of Colington, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 15-year-old boy from Pennsylvania suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh. Bystanders and pier staff provided immediate assistance until emergency responders arrived. The injured teenager was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital but later returned to the pier to thank those who helped him during the ordeal.
Authorities have charged Henry Hargis, a 16-year-old from Kill Devil Hills, with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held without bond at a juvenile detention center and is scheduled to appear in court on August 12. Police apprehended Hargis shortly after the shooting during a traffic stop and classified the incident as isolated and specifically targeted. A feud between two individuals has been identified as the motive behind the violence.
The family of Zane Hughes, particularly his mother Nicole Hassell, has expressed profound grief over the loss of her son. She described Hughes as a compassionate young man who brought light into the lives of those around him. Zane graduated from First Flight High School and had started attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte last fall, where he was pursuing his ambitions for the future. The anguish over his murder has prompted the community to rally together, with a GoFundMe campaign initiated to support his funeral expenses.
In a concerning update, the family of the injured 15-year-old indicated that a bullet remains lodged in his thigh, as medical professionals determined that removing it would pose too great a risk. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the trajectory of the juvenile legal proceedings against Hargis. The district attorney has noted that unless Hargis is charged as an adult, the case will reside in juvenile court jurisdiction following an indictment.
The Avalon Pier management has publicly extended their condolences through social media, addressing the community and recognizing the tragic event that unfolded on their property. This incident has sparked discussions about youth violence and the need for effective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As Kill Devil Hills mourns the loss of a vibrant young man, community members reflect on the impact of this tragic event, emphasizing the need for healing and understanding in the wake of violence.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Police Release Name of Avalon Pier Shooting Victim
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- WTKR: Mother Remembers Son Killed in Avalon Pier Shooting
- Google Search: Shooting Incidents North Carolina
- Pilot Online: Teen Charged with Murder in Outer Banks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- The Coastland Times: 16-Year-Old Suspect to Face Murder Charges
- Google News: Teen Shooting North Carolina
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.
