by John H Snowden, III
Publisher
A somber incident in Currituck County, North Carolina, has led to the death of Alexander, a 5-year-old wild stallion, part of the “critically endangered” Corolla wild horse herd. The tragedy occurred on the beach in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, when Alexander was struck and killed by a vehicle.
Details of the Incident:
According to reports from the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office and the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF), the collision happened just after midnight near milepost 19 on the 4×4 beach. Alexander was “killed on impact” by a Chevrolet Tahoe.
The driver of the Tahoe was identified as Shannon Seamster, 26, of Chesterfield, Virginia (some reports state Carova, NC). Seamster was arrested at the scene and charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI). She was subsequently issued a $2,500 secured bond. The vehicle involved was towed from the beach.
The Loss of Alexander:
The death of Alexander represents a significant blow to the Corolla wild horse herd, which the CWHF actively works to protect, conserve, and manage. The CWHF described Alexander as a “very special young horse” who had overcome “extraordinary challenges” in his early life. Critically, he was the last offspring of his mother, making his loss particularly devastating for the herd’s genetic diversity. The CWHF emphasized that Alexander’s “genetics can never be replaced,” which is a severe setback for a critically endangered population. They had “high hopes that he would carry on the family line.”
Broader Context and Previous Incidents:
This incident is not isolated, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by the wild horses on the Outer Banks due to vehicle traffic. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has long advocated for cautious driving in the 4×4 areas.
- History of Collisions: The CWHF’s history details that numerous horses have been hit and killed by vehicles since the paving of Highway 12 between Duck and Corolla in the late 1980s. Between 1985 and 1989, eleven horses died this way, and twenty more in the decade that followed.
- Previous Recent Fatalities: Just last year, in July 2024, another wild stallion named Bullwinkle, a 10-year-old, was killed by a UTV on the beach. In that case, the driver reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged. Similarly, in August 2023, a mare named Cora Mae had to be euthanized after being struck by a vehicle. She suffered multiple fractures. These prior incidents, like Alexander’s death, underscore the constant threat vehicles pose to the herd.
- Driver Responsibility: Meg Puckett, Director of Herd Management at the CWHF, has previously stressed the importance of driver responsibility, noting that while the speed limit on the beach is 35 mph, drivers should not always travel at that speed, especially given the presence of horses. The CWHF consistently urges visitors and residents to be “extremely cautious when driving on the 4×4” and to “drive slowly and carefully — especially at night.”
Community Impact and Call to Action:
The death of Alexander has deeply saddened the local community and those dedicated to the preservation of the Corolla wild horses. The CWHF’s social media posts regarding Alexander’s death garnered significant attention, with many expressing grief and frustration over preventable losses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and wildlife conservation in this unique coastal environment. Law enforcement continues to investigate the specific circumstances of Alexander’s death. The repeated calls from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund for increased awareness and responsible driving habits on the Outer Banks beaches remain more critical than ever.
