On December 20, 2025, 40-year-old Zachary Wilson Cash died in a hunting accident on private property near Lexington, North Carolina. Cash and a hunting partner had separated about 120 yards apart that morning to cover different areas of the woods. Investigators say the partner saw movement in the brush, mistook it for a coyote and fired; a single shot struck Cash. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene after the shooting was reported around 10 a.m.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office investigated to determine whether criminal negligence or intent played a role. Officials concluded the death was an accident, found no evidence of foul play or intentional wrongdoing, and did not pursue suspects or make arrests. Cash had served previously as a Lexington police officer and a Davidson County deputy, coached softball at North Davidson Middle School and was an elder at First Alliance Church. He is survived by his wife and three children.

If anyone was in the area that morning or has information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, please share what is known.