SOUTHPORT, N.C. — A Southport, North Carolina, family confirmed the identity of one victim in the mass shooting that happened over the weekend.
Lennie Rogers informed ABC affiliate WWAY that his wife, Joy Rogers, 64, tragically lost her life in the shooting on Saturday night. The couple had relocated to the coast about a year ago from California. At the time of the incident, they were at the American Fish Company when shots were fired.
In a statement obtained by WWAY, the Rogers family said:
“Joy was a dedicated wife and a loving mother to three children. Originally from California, she and her family moved to Southport a year ago to enjoy their retirement. In that brief period, she made a significant impact on many people in her community. Joy was deeply committed to her faith in Jesus, which influenced her profound love for others. Her vibrant spirit brought joy, warmth, and kindness wherever she went. Joy had a unique ability to make others feel valued and at home. She was a lively presence within the community and her family, and she will be dearly missed.”
Two others were killed in the incident. Five others are still in the hospital.
The suspect, 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge, is a highly regarded Marine veteran with his last assignment at Camp Lejeune. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head during service in Iraq and is reportedly suffering from PTSD.
WATCH: What we know about the Southport shooter
Nigel Edge, born Sean Debevoire, has a troubled past well known to Southport police and the court system
The Southport mass shooting occurred just 12 hours prior to another incident involving a Marine veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This individual allegedly drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and used an assault weapon on the congregation, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries, according to authorities. The suspect in Michigan was killed during a confrontation with police.
In a Sunday press conference, North Carolina officials stated that Edge targeted individuals at the American Fish Company on the Southport waterfront. The patrons were enjoying live music on an outdoor deck when Edge, aboard a boat, fired upon them with an assault rifle.
ABC News contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
