Tragedy in Rowan County: 19-Year-Old Jayden Hunter Hicks Fatally Shot by Friend Who Believed Gun Was Unloaded
- What happened & when:
At approximately 5:02 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Rowan County 911 received a call from 19‑year‑old Colton Alexander Adkins, who reported that he’d accidentally shot his close friend, 19‑year‑old Jayden Hunter Hicks.
Responders arrived shortly after at a residence on Hutchins Way, just outside the Town of Faith, and located Jayden with a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on site. - How it occurred:
Adkins told investigators he and Hicks were in his room “hanging out and listening to music.” He picked up a rifle from the corner, believed it to be unloaded, pointed it at Hicks, and pulled the trigger—never intending to fire. Tragically, the weapon discharged, striking Hicks.
🏛 Investigation & Legal Consequences
- Authorities involved:
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, processed the scene and corroborated Colton’s account. - Charges filed:
Colton Adkins has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. He was arraigned before a magistrate, held on a $10,000 bond, and is now in custody at the Rowan County Detention Center.
💔 Remembering Jayden Hunter Hicks
- Family’s perspective:
Jayden’s aunt, Samantha Veros, described him as “the sweetest soul…a smart kid who did his best to stay out of trouble.”
His grandmother, Lisa Taylor, shared that Jayden was waiting to get his driver’s license and had plans to visit his grandfather in California to learn a family cable-TV business. A GoFundMe was set up to support funeral costs. - Personal passions & relationships:
Jayden had taken a non-traditional route toward his diploma, enjoyed dirt biking, skateboarding (despite a recent broken ankle), fishing, and golf. He was supporting his family, even giving up his room for a relative’s visit.
His high school girlfriend of four years highlighted his “genuine” character and beautiful smile, and his siblings affectionately called the four brothers “the fantastic four.”
⚠️ Safety Message from Investigators
Captain Mark McDaniel of the Sheriff’s Office emphasized this tragedy as a stark reminder about firearm safety:
- Always treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
🤝 Family Forgives — But Advocates for Awareness
- Forgiveness in grief:
Jayden’s family has requested leniency for Colton, calling him “like a brother” to Jayden. They believe Jayden wouldn’t want harsher punishment and want to spare both families further pain. - Community grieving:
Friends are deeply affected. Loved ones highlight how Jayden “brought light into every room” and cherish memories like their first jet-ski outing together.
🕊 Lessons Learned & Community Support
This avoidable tragedy underscores a painful truth: no one should assume a gun is unloaded. The four cardinal rules of firearm safety exist for a reason — and day-to-day decisions can carry irreversible consequences.
In positive response, Jayden’s loved ones have organized fundraisers to support funeral expenses and help his family begin to heal.
Final Thoughts
This story breaks hearts not only because Jayden was taken too soon — full of potential and love — but also because his death serves as a preventable reminder about the importance of responsible gun handling. By turning grief into awareness, his family and community hope to prevent future tragedies.
If you’d like, I can help locate local grief resources, direct you to firearm safety training programs, or keep track of the legal proceedings in Colton’s case.
