The community of Asheville is mourning the tragic loss of William Wyatt Adair, a 20-year-old man who was fatally shot early Monday morning in a violent incident that has shaken residents across the city.

According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to reports of a gunshot victim around 1:04 a.m. on March 9, 2026. The call led authorities to the area of Patton Avenue near New Leicester Highway, where they discovered Adair suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the shooting, officers quickly began searching the surrounding area for a suspect. Police were able to locate the individual nearby on New Leicester Highway shortly after the incident. However, before officers could take the suspect into custody, the person reportedly pulled out a handgun and shot himself in the head.

Authorities confirmed that the self-inflicted gunshot wound was not immediately fatal. The suspect survived and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity as the investigation continues.

The tragic shooting has added to growing concerns in Asheville, as it marks the second homicide reported in the city this year and follows multiple other recent shooting incidents over the weekend. Investigators are currently working to determine what led to the fatal encounter and whether any additional factors were involved.

Friends, family members, and members of the Asheville community are now mourning the sudden loss of William Wyatt Adair. His death has left many heartbroken as they remember a young life taken far too soon.