The quiet beach town of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, is reeling after a tragic shooting at the Avalon Fishing Pier claimed the life of 17-year-old Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School.
The incident, which unfolded Thursday afternoon, has left the local community in shock and mourning as authorities continue their investigation into what led to the deadly encounter between classmates.
According to officials, the shooting occurred around 2:37 p.m. in the parking lot of the popular Avalon Fishing Pier, a well-known gathering place for locals and visitors alike in the Outer Banks.
Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris stated that emergency responders were on the scene in under four minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found two teenage males suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, later identified as Zane Hughes, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders.
A second teen, whose name has not yet been released, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. He was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition has not been updated at this time.
The suspect in the shooting, 18-year-old Henry Hargis, was apprehended by police shortly after the incident and taken into custody without further incident. Authorities confirmed that Hargis is also a student at First Flight High School, adding a disturbing layer of familiarity to the tragedy.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and law enforcement officials have not released information about any potential prior conflict between the individuals involved.
Detectives with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department are continuing to investigate the incident, reviewing surveillance footage from the area, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with school officials as they work to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.
The Dare County School District and First Flight High School issued statements expressing grief and support for the victims, their families, and the broader student body. School counselors and crisis response teams have been made available to students, faculty, and staff who are coping with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Zane Hughes was remembered by classmates and teachers as a kind, ambitious young man with a bright future ahead of him. “He was the kind of kid who made others feel welcome,” one teacher said. “This is a devastating loss for our school and our entire community.”
Community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at a growing memorial outside the pier’s parking lot, paying tribute to Zane’s life and expressing heartbreak over the violence that took him so young. A candlelight vigil is being planned by students and local faith leaders for the coming days.
As the investigation continues and the community grieves, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The shooting has left an indelible mark on Kill Devil Hills — a reminder of the urgency of addressing violence among youth and providing safe spaces for healing and prevention.
