KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — A quiet afternoon on North Carolina’s Outer Banks turned into a scene of tragedy and heartbreak when a deadly shooting unfolded at the Avalon Fishing Pier on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Authorities have identified Henry Hargis, a student at First Flight High School, as the suspect in the violent incident that left one teenager dead and another seriously wounded.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris, officers were dispatched to the pier at approximately 2:37 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire erupting in the pier’s parking lot — a normally peaceful gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. First responders arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find two young male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Tragically, one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to revive him. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. The second teen, also male, sustained life-threatening injuries and was immediately airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. As of the latest report, he remains in critical but stable condition.
As the community reeled from the shocking event, law enforcement moved swiftly. Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions of both the suspect and a vehicle seen fleeing the area moments after the shooting. The detailed accounts led investigators to identify Henry Hargis as the primary suspect within minutes.
The swift coordination between local agencies — including the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Southern Shores Police, and other surrounding law enforcement — resulted in Hargis being apprehended without further incident later that afternoon. Officials have not released specific details on the motive behind the shooting, but sources close to the investigation have indicated that the individuals involved may have known each other.
“We are heartbroken by the events that unfolded today,” said Assistant Chief Harris during a press briefing. “This senseless violence has left a deep scar on our community. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families affected and want to assure the public that justice will be pursued.”
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that charges against Hargis are pending. Additional information, including the names of the victims and details on what led to the tragic encounter, will be released as it becomes available.
Counseling resources have been made available to students and faculty at First Flight High School, where both the suspect and at least one of the victims are believed to have attended. School officials, community leaders, and law enforcement are working together to offer support to the grieving school community.
As the Outer Banks community mourns, residents are urged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at (252) 449-5337.
This tragic incident marks a somber moment for Kill Devil Hills, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the deep responsibility we all share in fostering safety and peace among our youth.
Leave a Reply