Robert Eugene Owens, a 46-year-old white male, passed away on May 8, 2017, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Owens, who was the editor of the Second Amendment advocacy blog BearingArms.com, was found dead near a stop sign outside his home. The Fuquay-Varina Police Department ruled his death a suicide, caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
A firearm was found near his body, and his death was confirmed by the medical examiner's report.
Owens' death shocked the community, as he was a well-known figure in the pro-gun rights movement. He had a strong following due to his fervent support for the Second Amendment and his work with conservative blogs. Owens' last Facebook post, which appeared minutes before police received reports of his body, read, "In the end, it turns out that I'm not strong. I'm a coward, and a selfish son of a bitch. I'm sorry." This message added to the tragic nature of his death.
Owens was survived by his wife, Christine Zamzow Owens, and their two children, Maya and Kate. He was also survived by his parents, Eugene Alan and Nancy Barbee Owens, and his brothers, Richard Glenn Owens and Sean Christopher Owens. The family held a Celebration of Life at a later date to honor his memory.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations related to Owens' death, as it was ruled a suicide. The investigation by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department concluded that there was no foul play involved. The community mourned the loss of Owens, with many friends and supporters expressing their condolences and sharing tributes on social media.
