Tragedy in Rowan County: Community Grieves Loss of 19-Year-Old Jayden Hunter Hicks in Accidental Shooting

FAITH, NC — June 21, 2025 — What began as a casual night of music and friendship ended in an unimaginable tragedy early Saturday morning when 19-year-old Jayden Hunter Hicks lost his life in an accidental shooting on Hutchins Way, just outside the quiet town of Faith in Rowan County.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received at 5:02 a.m. from Colton Alexander Adkins, also 19, reporting that he had shot his friend. First responders quickly arrived at a residence in the 100 block of Hutchins Way and discovered Hicks suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite attempts at life-saving measures, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

A Moment That Changed Everything

According to Adkins, the two young men had been “hanging out and listening to music” in his bedroom when he picked up a rifle he believed to be unloaded. He pointed it in Hicks’ direction and pulled the trigger—only to realize in a split second that the gun was, in fact, loaded.

Adkins immediately called 911, and dispatchers provided instructions as he attempted to administer first aid. However, the fatal injury proved irreversible.

Authorities from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) processed the scene and conducted interviews. After reviewing the evidence, Adkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter, placed under a $10,000 bond, and booked at the Rowan County Detention Center.

“The Sweetest Soul”

Jayden’s sudden death has shattered his family and stunned the tight-knit community.

“Jayden was the sweetest soul you could meet,” said his aunt Samantha Veros, who has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. “He would do anything for the people he cared about. He wanted to see the best in everyone. He was a smart kid who did his best to stay out of trouble.”

Jayden had been living with his paternal grandmother Lisa Taylor, offering his room to visiting family members at the time of the incident. “That tells you a lot about the person he was,” Taylor said. She described Jayden as a thoughtful, hardworking, and compassionate young man with dreams he was just beginning to chase.

He had recently been working toward earning his high school diploma online after leaving East Rowan High School, and had plans to get his driver’s license next week. He was also planning a trip to California to learn the cable television business from his grandfather.

“He was slowly but surely getting there,” Taylor said through tears. “He was into dirt bikes, skateboarding, fishing, golf… and he loved life.”

A Friend, A Brother, A Light

Perhaps most heartbreaking of all is that the shooter—Colton Adkins—wasn’t just a friend. He was Jayden’s best friend. So close were the two that Jayden’s family is asking the court for leniency in the case.

“Jayden would not want him prosecuted,” Taylor said. “And we don’t want him to be, either. He did not mean to do this.”

Jayden’s girlfriend of four years, Naomi Hall-Bruce, spoke of his infectious energy and unwavering kindness.

“He was the most genuine person I’ve ever met,” she said. “He had a beautiful smile and eyes you could get lost in. This is the hardest loss of my life and he will be forever missed.”

Jayden was the youngest of four brothers—Jordan, Josh, and Jacob being the elder “Js” in a group fondly known as the Fantastic Four—alongside a younger sister. His sister-in-law, Natasha Tejeda, called him “kind, hilarious, and someone who lit up every room.”

“He made being a sister-in-law so fun and so easy. Family can only get bigger, and he proved that every day.”

A Life Remembered, A Lesson Reinforced

Jayden’s grandmother emphasized that he was taught gun safety from a young age. He had been raised around firearms and taught to respect them.

“I can’t imagine anyone having anything bad to say about Jayden,” Taylor said. “Everyone liked him. I don’t know why God needed to take such a sweet, respectful, wonderful young man, but I know that he was baptized, he knew God, and he is home now.”

A Message From Investigators

Captain Mark McDaniel of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office issued a heartfelt reminder to the public in light of this tragedy:

“Always treat any firearm as if it were loaded. Only point your firearm at your intended target. Be certain of your target and what is behind it. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.”

“We acknowledge that this is a tragedy that no one should ever have to experience. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Jayden Hicks.”

The community is still coming to grips with the devastating loss, rallying around Jayden’s family with compassion, support, and sorrow. A memorial service is being planned, and contributions to the funeral fund can be made through the GoFundMe page launched by Samantha Veros.

As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, one thing remains clear: Jayden Hunter Hicks left a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and heart that will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Jayden. Your light lives on in the love of those you touched. 🕊️