News Summary
A shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier led to the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes and left a 15-year-old boy injured. The conflict escalated between young individuals, resulting in quick law enforcement apprehension of a 16-year-old shooter. Community concerns over youth violence rise as the investigation continues.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – A shooting on Thursday afternoon, July 31, 2025, left one person dead and another injured in the parking lot of Avalon Fishing Pier. The incident occurred around 2:37 p.m. and involved a confrontation between several young individuals that escalated into gunfire.
The deceased has been identified as 19-year-old Zane Hughes from Colington, N.C. A second victim, a 15-year-old boy from Pennsylvania, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. The teenager was vacationing in the Outer Banks for a fishing trip at the time of the shooting and was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities quickly apprehended the alleged shooter, identified as 16-year-old Henry Lee Hargis of Kill Devil Hills. Hargis fled the scene following the shooting but was captured by law enforcement at approximately 3:19 p.m. near Southern Shores. He faces serious charges including first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Due to his age, Hargis is currently held in a juvenile detention facility.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department has indicated that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident stemming from a feud between two young individuals. Law enforcement officials assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety as a result of this event. Witnesses played a crucial role in the rapid identification and capture of the suspect by providing descriptions to the police.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police received multiple reports of shots fired and arrived on the scene within four minutes of the first call. The swift response was commended by the Kill Devil Hills Police Chief, who praised the collaboration between various law enforcement and emergency services involved in addressing the situation.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with police continuing to process evidence and conduct witness interviews. No further information has been released regarding the circumstances that led to the conflict precipitating the shooting.
In a social media post, Avalon Fishing Pier expressed the community’s shock and grief over the death of Zane Hughes. The post also emphasized the importance of supporting the families affected by this tragic event. The mother of the injured teenager stated that her son was not a participant in the conflict but rather a bystander caught in the crossfire.
This tragic incident has sparked a range of emotions within the community, highlighting concerns over youth violence and public safety. As law enforcement continues to gather facts, details will be provided to the public as they become available, ensuring the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- Wavy News
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- The Coastland Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence in the United States
- Hindustan Times
- 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.
