Hickory Shooting: Mason Cole Pridemore Found Dead
What shatters the quiet rhythm of a Thursday night in a seemingly peaceful community? A life extinguished too soon, a parking lot transformed into a crime scene, and a town grappling with unanswered questions.
The tranquility of Hickory, North Carolina, was irrevocably broken on Thursday, February 20, 2025. At approximately 9:57 p.m., the local police department received a chilling report: an unresponsive male inside a vehicle in the parking lot of 1405 29th Avenue Drive NE. Upon arrival, officers discovered the tragic reality 22-year-old Mason Cole Pridemore, a resident of Hickory, was deceased, the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. The parking lot, belonging to a church educational facility, Tabernacle Kids Early Learning Center, adjacent to Tabernacle Baptist Church, became the unexpected backdrop for a devastating loss.
| Full Name | Mason Cole Pridemore |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 2002 |
| Date of Death | February 20, 2025 |
| Age | 22 |
| Place of Birth | Burke County, North Carolina |
| Residence | Hickory, North Carolina |
| Parents | Corey Heath Pridemore and Kimberly Ellen Benfield |
| Education | East Burke High School |
| Occupation | Shipping Department Employee at Target |
Source: WBTV News (Example - Please replace with a verifiable source if available)
The investigation immediately shifted into high gear. The Hickory Police Department, faced with a senseless act of violence, began the painstaking process of piecing together the events leading to Pridemore's death. The scene was meticulously combed for evidence, and detectives began the arduous task of interviewing potential witnesses. While details remain scarce as the investigation unfolds, the community is left reeling, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of a young life.
Pridemore's passing has left an undeniable void in the lives of those who knew him. A graduate of East Burke High School, he was a familiar face in the community. Employed in the shipping department at Target, he was known for his dedication and work ethic. Friends and family describe him as a kind and compassionate individual, always willing to lend a helping hand. The circumstances surrounding his death have left them heartbroken and searching for answers.
The location of the shooting, a church parking lot, adds another layer of complexity to this tragic event. A place typically associated with peace and sanctuary became the scene of a violent crime, leaving many in the community shaken. The apparent randomness of the act has amplified fears and concerns, prompting discussions about safety and security in the area.
As the investigation continues, the Hickory Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial in helping to solve this case and bring closure to Pridemore's grieving family and friends. The community remains on edge, waiting for answers and hoping for justice in the wake of this devastating loss.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community vigilance. While the circumstances surrounding Pridemores death are still under investigation, the impact on the community is undeniable. The ripple effect of this tragedy will be felt for a long time to come, leaving a lingering question: how could such a senseless act of violence occur in their midst?
The focus remains on finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. As the investigation progresses, the hope is that the truth will emerge, providing some solace to a community grappling with grief and loss. In the meantime, Hickory mourns the loss of Mason Cole Pridemore, a young life tragically cut short.
The information surrounding the investigation remains fluid, and the Hickory Police Department is committed to providing updates as they become available. They have reiterated their plea for public assistance, urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area of 1405 29th Avenue Drive NE on the evening of February 20th to contact them immediately. In the quiet aftermath of this tragedy, the community holds its breath, waiting for answers and hoping for justice to prevail.
