URGENT UPDATE: A tragic mass shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina, has left one woman dead and two others confirmed fatalities. Family members have identified the victim as Joy Rogers, 64, who was enjoying an evening with her husband when shots rang out on Saturday night.
The shooting occurred on July 15, 2023, while patrons were outside listening to live music. Joy’s husband, Lennie Rogers, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “She was a devoted wife and a loving mother of three.” The couple had relocated from California just a year prior, seeking a peaceful retirement by the coast.
In a heartfelt statement, the Rogers family described Joy as someone who “touched countless lives in her community” and radiated “joy, light, and kindness” wherever she went. “She will be dearly missed,” the family added, underlining the profound loss felt by those who knew her.
The shooting left two additional victims dead, and five others are currently hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter, Nigel Max Edge, a 40-year-old Marine veteran, targeted the patrons from a boat using an assault rifle. Edge, whose military service included time at Camp Lejeune, is reported to be suffering from PTSD after being shot in the head during his service in Iraq.
This incident escalates a wave of violence involving veterans, occurring just hours before another Marine veteran allegedly attacked a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries. This troubling trend raises serious concerns about the mental health of returning service members.
A news conference held on Sunday revealed that Edge opened fire on the outdoor deck of the bar, striking multiple people and causing chaos among the crowd. Local authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and the motivations behind it.
As investigations continue, the community of Southport is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence. The impact of Joy Rogers’ life and the tragedy of her loss resonate deeply within the hearts of her family and friends.
For those affected, support services are being mobilized, and the community is urged to come together in healing. The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as authorities gather more information.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
