On January 3, 2025, Rachael Loken was fatally shot at a residence in the 300 block of Longleaf Drive in the Seven Lakes West subdivision of West End, North Carolina. She was in another room when a single gunshot struck her in the chest; first responders performed CPR but she did not survive.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office reported the shot was fired by her husband, Christopher Loken, described in reports as a volunteer firefighter with the West End Fire Department and a recent military retiree. Rachael was described as a decorated soldier who had served honorably for more than 15 years. Authorities initially characterized the incident as an accidental shooting but said they were examining all aspects to determine the circumstances.

No arrests had been reported as investigators worked to establish what happened. A GoFundMe page was set up to support the family. Does anyone have information about the Lokens or the incident that could help investigators?