KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — The Outer Banks community is in mourning following a devastating shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon, July 31, in the parking lot of the Avalon Fishing Pier—an incident that claimed the life of a local teenager and left another seriously injured.
Authorities have identified the young victim as Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School. Known by friends and family for his bright personality and kind heart, Zane’s life was tragically cut short in a place often associated with family outings and summer memories.
According to officials with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, the shooting took place at approximately 2:37 p.m., when officers began receiving multiple calls reporting gunfire at the pier. Responding with urgency, law enforcement arrived on the scene within four minutes. Upon arrival, they discovered two teenage males had been shot.
Zane Hughes was found critically injured and, despite emergency efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim—also a teenage male—suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was quickly transported by medical helicopter to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Henry Hargis, also a student at First Flight High School. Authorities confirmed that Hargis was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Investigators are still working to determine the events and motivations that led up to the tragic confrontation.
Kill Devil Hills Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris emphasized the swift response by officers and the gravity of the incident, noting how profoundly the community has been impacted. “This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” Harris said. “We are fully committed to a thorough investigation and providing support for the families and students affected by this tragedy.”
As the investigation continues, counselors and support staff have been made available at First Flight High School to assist students and staff as they cope with the loss of a classmate and friend.
The death of Zane Hughes has sent shockwaves throughout Kill Devil Hills and the greater Outer Banks community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for healing and unity in the wake of senseless violence.