News Summary
A shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills resulted in one death and another injury on Thursday afternoon. The deceased, 19-year-old Zane Hughes, was identified, while a 15-year-old boy was seriously injured and airlifted to hospital. The suspect, 16-year-old Henry Lee Hargis, was apprehended shortly after the incident and faces major charges. Authorities confirmed the shooting appeared targeted with no ongoing threat to public safety. The community is left in shock following this tragic event.
Kill Devil Hills — A tragic shooting incident unfolded at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, leaving one teenager dead and another injured. The shooting occurred around 2:37 p.m., alarming a normally family-friendly community.
The Kill Devil Hills Police reported that the deceased victim has been identified as Zane Hughes, a 19-year-old resident of Colington, North Carolina. A 15-year-old boy was also wounded in the shooting and has been airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in serious condition.
Law enforcement arrested the suspect, Henry Lee Hargis, a 16-year-old from Kill Devil Hills, without incident during a traffic stop in Southern Shores at approximately 3:19 p.m. Hargis is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Given his age, he will be held in a juvenile detention facility.
Authorities emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and targeted, stating there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Quick action by witnesses, who provided detailed descriptions of the suspect, facilitated the rapid arrest.
In addition to Hargis’s arrest, police have confirmed that they recovered a weapon linked to the shooting and have taken custody of the vehicle he was using at the time of his arrest. Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris reiterated the importance of a thorough investigation, which includes evidence processing and witness interviews as of the ongoing inquiry.
This incident has left the community shaken, particularly as the shooting took place in broad daylight at a location frequented by families. Bystanders reported hearing gunfire and sought cover during the chaos that ensued. The situation was met with a massive response from police and emergency medical services who arrived promptly at the scene.
Following the incident, the family of the 15-year-old victim reported that he was merely a bystander amid a dispute involving other teenagers and expressed relief at his survival. The young boy’s injuries are being treated as authorities continue to monitor his condition.
Local police are coordinating with multiple agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, to piece together all aspects of the event. As investigations progress, law enforcement officials expect to release further updates on the situation and details concerning the investigation.
This tragic shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in otherwise peaceful settings and highlights ongoing concerns regarding youth engagement in gun-related incidents. The community is left to navigate the aftermath of this violence, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teen Arrested Following Fatal Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier
Tragic Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills
Tragic Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier Claims One Life
Teen Killed in Double Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier
Teenager Arrested in Deadly Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier
Shooting Incident Leaves One Dead and Another Injured at Avalon Fishing Pier
Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
Tragic Shooting in Kill Devil Hills Claims One Life
Shooting Incident at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead
Wilmington Welcomes New Film Production: ‘Driver’s Ed’
Additional Resources
- WAVY: Community Reacts to Fatal Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- WTKR: Teen Seriously Hurt in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- The Coastland Times: One Dead, One Airlifted in Avalon Pier Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- WRAL: One Person Shot at Outer Banks Pier
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills shooting
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.
