Southport residents remain hopeful as community copes with mass shooting

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — In Southport and throughout the Cape Fear, many people are trying to understand what went wrong and how three people who simply went to a bar on a Saturday night could end up dead.

The events of this weekend have left many with a profound sense of anger, fear, and hurt, as they try to figure out how to move forward.

Since the incident, people have laid flowers and other items at a makeshift memorial in front of the gate to the American Fish Company in remembrance of the lives that were lost.

Since early Sunday morning, a small display of flowers, candles, crosses, and other items has grown.

Even on Monday, as a steady rain fell, people came out to visit the memorial, many pausing to reflect on what happened.

This is one way the community is attempting to demonstrate unity and heal in the aftermath of this tragedy.

A vigil was held on Sunday night at Southport Baptist Church.

Merikay Hunt is the founder of Coach M-Kay and is an inspirational speaker who lives in the Southport area.

In the wake of tragedy, Hunt said there is a way to move forward positively.

“We were all preparing for a storm, we weren’t preparing for this kind of a storm,” Hunt said. “We can also use it as an opportunity to shift our thinking and think of the opportunity for us to be present, to be thankful, to be grateful and to really lift those up that have been impacted. Those that have lost their life, those that have been injured, those that have also, family and friends.”

Southport resident Dustin Averett visited the memorial Monday evening, leaving several bouquets.

He said he knows the city will overcome this tragedy.

“Like they’ve said, Southport Strong for sure,” Averett said. “And like Charles Drew said last night at church, you got to push, you got to pray until something happens and they will. Southport will come together as one again and we’ll come over this.”

Hubert Reaves, a Bolivia resident, agrees.

“I do see hope for the future, sir,” Reaves said. “We all gonna pull through this and help one another. I do see hope.”

Hunt also says she knows Southport is a strong community and is confident that the people who call it home will be able to come together to support one another through their grief and sadness.