Family remember 15-year-old killed in hit-and-run as ‘sweet, gentle kid’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The family of 15-year-old Conor Mahoney is mourning the loss of whom they describe as a sweet, gentle boy, following a deadly hit-and-run over the weekend.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the crash happened just after 10:30 p.m. Sunday along South College Road near Hidden Valley Road. Conor was skateboarding south on the side of the road when he was hit by a vehicle, which then left the scene.

Conor’s father, Daniel Mahoney, described his son as a kind, thoughtful teenager.

“He was a special, special kid, so sweet and gentle,” Mahoney said. “A momma’s boy. He loved his mother. Idolized his big brother, Colin. They had a group of friends and all hung out together. Colin loved his little brother. They completed each other.”

He shared that just hours before the tragedy, his son mowed the lawn without being asked. “I told him, ‘Conor, that was really nice.’ Just such a sweet, sweet kid.”

Conor was a rising sophomore at Ashley High School.

His body has been sent to East Carolina University Health Medical Center for an autopsy as the investigation continues. Authorities are still working to identify the driver and vehicle involved.

The highway patrol says the suspect vehicle is possibly a dark-colored, heavy-duty truck with damage to the front right headlight.

Anyone with information about the accident is urged to contact the State Highway Patrol by dialing *HP(47) or calling the State Highway Patrol office in New Hanover County during business hours.