️ On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, the quiet neighborhood of Zuider Zee Drive in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the life of 54-year-old Hayes Godfrey Miller. The events that unfolded have left a community grieving and searching for solace in the wake of a sudden and heartbreaking loss.

At approximately 10:17 a.m., officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department responded to a distress call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Miller lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. First responders administered life-saving measures before emergency medical services transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Hayes Miller was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

According to the police investigation, the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Mr. Miller and another individual in the neighborhood. Evidence revealed that Miller approached the other person’s residence in a threatening manner while armed with a firearm. In response, the individual—whose identity remains protected under North Carolina law—acted in self-defense, resulting in the fatal shooting.

⚖️ After thorough review and consultation with Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill, authorities concluded that the shooting was legally justified as self-defense. As such, no charges will be filed. The investigation remains active, with officials urging anyone with additional information to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department.

The news of Hayes Miller’s death has reverberated through the community. Known to many as a complex yet deeply human figure, Hayes was more than the circumstances of his final moments. Friends and family remember him for his unique spirit, his laughter, and the quiet ways he touched lives around him. His passing leaves behind a void that words can scarcely fill.

️ Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced, but tributes and condolences continue to pour in from those who knew him. As Winston-Salem mourns, the memory of Hayes Miller endures—not in headlines, but in the hearts of those who loved him.

If you’d like help crafting a personal tribute or obituary that reflects Hayes’ life, relationships, and legacy, I’d be honored to assist.