News Summary
A 19-year-old man, Zane Hughes, was fatally shot at Avalon Fishing Pier, resulting in a community mourning the loss. A 15-year-old boy was injured. Authorities charged 16-year-old Henry Hargis with first-degree murder. The shooting stems from a feud and has shocked a normally peaceful area.
Kill Devil Hills, NC – A 19-year-old man, Zane Hughes, was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon at the Avalon Fishing Pier, marking a tragic turn of events for a community known for its tranquility. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM in the parking lot of the pier, which was bustling with vacationers at the time.
In addition to Hughes, a 15-year-old boy was injured in the shooting, sustaining a gunshot wound to the thigh. Fortunately, he was treated at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and was able to return to the pier the following day to continue his fishing activities.
The principal suspect in the shooting, 16-year-old Henry Hargis, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon
Zane Hughes was recognized as a recent graduate of First Flight High School and had enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall. His mother, Nicole Hassell, expressed profound grief over the loss of her son and remembered him as someone who brought joy to those around him with his vibrant personality.
The Avalon Pier released a statement indicating the shooting stemmed from a feud between two individuals, expressing concern for the injured bystander while emphasizing the isolated nature of the incident. Local authorities acted swiftly, identifying Hargis as a suspect within approximately 42 minutes of the shooting.
As details continue to surface, the community remains in mourning, wrestling with the reality of violence in a place typically associated with peace, relaxation, and vacation activities. Families and friends are seeking answers and comfort following this distressing event, which has left a lasting impact on the tight-knit neighborhood.
Police reassured the public that the shooting was an isolated incident and posed no ongoing threat to the community at large. As the investigation unfolds, both the local law enforcement and community members remain focused on healing and understanding what led to this tragic loss.
Zane Hughes will be remembered not only for his short time on earth but also for the joy he brought to those around him. His mother firmly believes that her son’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- Wikipedia: School Shooting
- WTKR News
- Google Search: Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting
- WAVY News
- Google Scholar: Community Violence
- Pilot Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WSOC TV
- Google News: Outer Banks 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.
