Michael Durbin, Solomon Banjo Obituary, Death – The City of Southport has officially released the names of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting that occurred over the weekend. The incident took place on Saturday, September 27, at the American Fish Company, a popular waterfront establishment. Authorities confirmed that three people were killed in the attack, while five others sustained injuries.
City officials identified the victims as 64-year-old Joy Rogers, a Southport resident; 36-year-old Solomon Banjo from Charlottesville, Virginia; and 56-year-old Michael Durbin, who was from Galena, Ohio. All three died as a result of gunfire during the chaotic scene that unfolded inside the venue.
In a public statement, Southport leaders urged the community to show compassion and sensitivity toward the grieving families. “We ask that you be respectful of these victims’ families as they try to navigate this difficult situation,” the statement read. Officials highlighted that the loss of life not only devastates the immediate families of those killed but also deeply impacts the larger community of Southport and beyond.
In addition to the fatalities, five other individuals were injured during the shooting. Authorities reported that those victims remain hospitalized as of the latest update. No specific details regarding the severity of their injuries have been disclosed, but medical teams continue to provide care. City officials emphasized that their thoughts and prayers remain with the injured as they recover.
The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is still active and ongoing. Southport Police, along with other law enforcement partners, are working to gather evidence and piece together what led to the violent incident. While officials have not released information about a possible suspect or motive, they have stressed that updates will be shared with the public as more information becomes available.
Authorities are also appealing to the public for assistance in the investigation. They have specifically asked anyone who was present at the American Fish Company on either Friday, September 26, or Saturday, September 27, to come forward. Investigators are seeking eyewitness accounts, as well as any photographs or videos that could help clarify the events leading up to and during the shooting. Individuals with information have been directed to contact the Southport Police Department at (910) 457-7911.
The tragic event has shaken the tight-knit Southport community. Residents and local leaders have begun to reflect on the impact of such violence in their town, which is known for its small-town charm and close community ties. The release of the victims’ names has made the tragedy all the more personal for many who either knew the victims directly or shared connections with them through mutual friends and community circles.
Community leaders have pledged ongoing support to the families affected, and grief counseling services are expected to be offered to both residents and those directly impacted. Vigils and memorial events are being discussed, as many in the community look for ways to honor the lives of Rogers, Banjo, and Durbin.
As the investigation proceeds, Southport officials have reassured the public that they are committed to transparency while also protecting the integrity of the case. They remain determined to provide answers and justice to the victims and their families.
The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and devastation that acts of violence bring to communities. While questions remain unanswered, the release of the victims’ identities has allowed the community to begin the mourning process and to honor their lives in the midst of this tragedy.
