KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – A tragic shooting at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills on Thursday, July 31, 2025, has left one young man dead and another injured. Authorities have confirmed that Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School, was fatally shot in the incident, while a second teenage male sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The shooter, identified as Henry Hargis, a fellow student at the same high school, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.

The incident occurred around 2:37 p.m. in the parking lot of the popular Avalon Fishing Pier, located in the Outer Banks community. According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris, the police received multiple reports of gunshots being fired, prompting a swift response. Officers arrived at the scene in under four minutes.

When they arrived, they found Hughes with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene. A second victim, a teenage male, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The injured teen was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition is currently unknown, but family members have expressed optimism, stating that he is expected to recover.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Initial reports suggest that the shooting may have followed an argument between individuals in the parking lot. A witness at the scene described seeing the suspect, Henry Hargis, driving around the area in a vehicle before opening fire on the victims. Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that both the suspect and the victims were acquainted with each other, though the nature of their relationship remains unclear.

Eyewitnesses to the incident were shaken by the sight of the violence. One woman, who spoke to Channel2 NOW, shared the emotional toll the incident had on a friend of hers who had witnessed the shooting. “She called me bawling. She said she saw the child die in her arms. She thought it was fireworks at first, but then realized it was gunfire,” the woman explained. “She said he was covered in a sheet. She’s a wreck.”

The Quick Response and Arrest of the Suspect

After the shooting, the suspect, Henry Hargis, fled the scene before police arrived. However, law enforcement officers were able to quickly track him down. A description of the suspect’s vehicle provided by witnesses helped authorities locate Hargis in nearby Southern Shores, where he was apprehended a short time later. The swift arrest was carried out with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kill Devil Hills Police Department and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris confirmed during a press briefing that there was no ongoing threat to the public. “We believe this was an isolated incident, and we want to assure the community that there is no further threat,” Harris stated.

The Avalon Pier and its surrounding parking area were immediately closed off as the investigation unfolded. Beachgoers and visitors to the area were temporarily unable to leave due to the police activity, adding to the tension and uncertainty in the community. Authorities urged people to remain calm and comply with the requests of law enforcement as they secured the area.

Community Reactions and Support for Victims

The shooting has left the local community in shock, with many expressing disbelief that such a tragic event could happen in the normally peaceful area of Kill Devil Hills. Public officials, including local law enforcement, have expressed their sadness and support for the families of the victims.

Austin Ayers, a Republican congressional candidate, took to social media to offer his condolences and express his support for those affected by the tragedy. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident unfolding in Kill Devil Hills,” Ayers wrote. “Please respect all first responders at the Avalon Pier—they are doing their job. If they request you leave the area, please do. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”

A Grim Reflection on Gun Violence Among Teens

The deadly incident has sparked a conversation about gun violence, particularly among teenagers. The fact that the suspect and victim were both students at First Flight High School has raised concerns about the pressures facing young people today, including the impact of bullying, social media conflicts, and the accessibility of firearms.

Authorities have yet to release any formal charges against Henry Hargis, but many are asking what led to the tragic shooting and how it could have been prevented. With both the suspect and victim still in their teenage years, the incident is a somber reminder of the challenges facing today’s youth and the devastating effects of unresolved conflicts.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Zane Hughes has devastated his family, friends, and the wider First Flight High School community. Tributes have poured in from classmates, teachers, and community members, all of whom remember Zane as a kind, caring individual who had a bright future ahead of him. His untimely death has left many struggling to understand how such a tragic event could occur in a place where young people are supposed to feel safe.

“I knew Zane from school. He was always smiling and ready to help others. It’s heartbreaking to know that he’s gone,” said one of his classmates. “We’re all still in shock. This just doesn’t feel real.”

The Impact on the First Flight High School Community

First Flight High School, where both the suspect and the victim were students, has been deeply affected by the shooting. The school’s administration has expressed their condolences to the families of both the victim and the suspect and is providing support for students and staff as they process the tragedy.

In a statement, First Flight High School principal Dr. William Sanders said, “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating event. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer support and counseling services to our students and staff. The loss of Zane Hughes is felt deeply throughout our school, and we will continue to honor his memory in the coming days.”

What’s Next: Investigation and Legal Proceedings

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the exact circumstances that led to the shooting. While initial reports suggest that the shooting may have been the result of an argument between the individuals involved, law enforcement is continuing to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and examine all possible leads.

The next steps in the investigation will focus on determining the motive behind the shooting and whether there are any contributing factors, such as prior conflicts, that led to the tragic event. The community remains hopeful that the legal process will bring justice for Zane Hughes and his family.

Henry Hargis is expected to face formal charges in the coming days, and the legal proceedings will likely reveal more about the events that led to the shooting. The community, while grieving, remains determined to seek justice and ensure that no more lives are lost to violence among teenagers.

A Call for Action on Teen Gun Violence

The tragedy has prompted calls from local leaders and activists for more action to address gun violence among teens. Many are urging lawmakers to focus on stricter gun control laws and programs aimed at conflict resolution for young people. The hope is that by addressing these issues, tragedies like this one can be prevented in the future.

In the wake of this deadly incident, the Kill Devil Hills community stands united in its grief, determined to remember Zane Hughes and work toward a safer future for all teens in their area. As the investigation unfolds and more information becomes available, the community will continue to honor Zane’s memory and support the families affected by the violence.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.