KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — A wave of shock and grief has gripped the Outer Banks community after the tragic shooting death of Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School, on the afternoon of Thursday, July 31st, 2025, at the popular Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris, authorities were dispatched to the scene around 2:37 p.m. after receiving several urgent 911 calls reporting gunfire in the pier’s parking lot. Officers arrived on scene in under four minutes and quickly discovered the grim reality: Zane Hughes, a local teenager and rising student, had been fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second teen male, also a student, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He was stabilized at the scene and later airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency treatment. His condition has not been publicly released, but authorities say he is expected to survive.
The suspected gunman, Henry Hargis, also a student at First Flight High School, allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived. However, thanks to swift witness reports and vehicle descriptions, Hargis was apprehended shortly afterward by Southern Shores Police, with assistance from multiple local law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but the incident is being described as a targeted act of violence among individuals who knew each other. Detectives are currently investigating the nature of the relationship between the involved parties, as well as whether any prior disputes or threats preceded the shooting.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Zane Hughes has left family, classmates, and teachers heartbroken. Known by many for his bright spirit, kind nature, and love for his friends and family, Zane’s untimely death has devastated the tight-knit Outer Banks community. Social media has since been flooded with tributes, photos, and memories as peers mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
Grief counselors and school psychologists have been made available to students and staff at First Flight High School, where emotions remain raw and support is desperately needed in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement has not yet released the specific charges filed against Henry Hargis, but he is currently in custody and is expected to face charges including murder, attempted murder, and firearm-related offenses. Officials have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Kill Devil Hills Police are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the department.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, one undeniable fact remains: a promising life has been cut short, and another young man now faces the consequences of a devastating act. In a community where families gather to enjoy peaceful sunsets, ocean breezes, and local traditions, this tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives.
Our thoughts are with the Hughes family, the injured victim, and all those affected by this tragedy. The Outer Banks community now begins the painful journey of healing, remembrance, and finding peace after such an unimaginable loss.
If you’d like help writing a tribute or obituary for Zane Hughes, or community statement for First Flight High School, feel free to ask.
Tragedy at Avalon Pier: Zane Hughes Fatally Shot in Kill Devil Hills; Classmate in Custody
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — A wave of shock and grief has gripped the Outer Banks community after the tragic shooting death of Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School, on the afternoon of Thursday, July 31st, 2025, at the popular Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris, authorities were dispatched to the scene around 2:37 p.m. after receiving several urgent 911 calls reporting gunfire in the pier’s parking lot. Officers arrived on scene in under four minutes and quickly discovered the grim reality: Zane Hughes, a local teenager and rising student, had been fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second teen male, also a student, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He was stabilized at the scene and later airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency treatment. His condition has not been publicly released, but authorities say he is expected to survive.
The suspected gunman, Henry Hargis, also a student at First Flight High School, allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived. However, thanks to swift witness reports and vehicle descriptions, Hargis was apprehended shortly afterward by Southern Shores Police, with assistance from multiple local law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but the incident is being described as a targeted act of violence among individuals who knew each other. Detectives are currently investigating the nature of the relationship between the involved parties, as well as whether any prior disputes or threats preceded the shooting.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Zane Hughes has left family, classmates, and teachers heartbroken. Known by many for his bright spirit, kind nature, and love for his friends and family, Zane’s untimely death has devastated the tight-knit Outer Banks community. Social media has since been flooded with tributes, photos, and memories as peers mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
Grief counselors and school psychologists have been made available to students and staff at First Flight High School, where emotions remain raw and support is desperately needed in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
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Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement has not yet released the specific charges filed against Henry Hargis, but he is currently in custody and is expected to face charges including murder, attempted murder, and firearm-related offenses. Officials have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Kill Devil Hills Police are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the department.
⸻
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, one undeniable fact remains: a promising life has been cut short, and another young man now faces the consequences of a devastating act. In a community where families gather to enjoy peaceful sunsets, ocean breezes, and local traditions, this tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives.
Our thoughts are with the Hughes family, the injured victim, and all those affected by this tragedy. The Outer Banks community now begins the painful journey of healing, remembrance, and finding peace after such an unimaginable loss.
If you’d like help writing a tribute or obituary for Zane Hughes, or community statement for First Flight High School, feel free to ask.
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