News Release

Identity Confirmed in Death on Shackleford Banks

Date: May 31, 2023
Contact: Nate Toering, 252-838-8909

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – At approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday, May 28th, an accident involving three individuals in a rented boat occurred in the ocean south of Shackleford Banks. In a press release issued on May 29th, the National Park Service outlined details of that accident and the death of one unnamed individual on Shackleford Banks shortly thereafter.

The National Park Service can now confirm the identity of that individual as Conen Morgan, 42, of Raleigh, NC.

Since the initial accident occurred outside of park boundaries, the US Coast Guard and NC Wildlife will continue to handle that portion of the investigation. The National Park Service will continue to investigate Mr. Morgan’s death, which occurred inside park boundaries. The National Park Service is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that the investigations are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner.