Colby and Zack Willetts Obituary, Murder-Suicide: Remembering the Sons of Stephen and Tracey Willetts

The Wilmington, North Carolina, community is once again remembering Zachary “Zack” Grey Willetts and Colby Willetts, the beloved sons of Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts, following the tragic deaths of their parents in August 2026. While recent events have brought renewed attention to the Willetts family, those who knew Zack and Colby continue to remember them not for tragedy, but for the remarkable lives they lived and the lasting impact they made on everyone around them.

Years before the heartbreaking events that unfolded in 2026, the Willetts family endured unimaginable grief after losing both sons within just over a year. Though separated by different circumstances, Zack and Colby each left behind a legacy of courage, compassion, resilience, and love that continues to be cherished by family and friends.

Personal Details

Zachary “Zack” Grey Willetts

Full Name: Zachary “Zack” Grey Willetts

Residence: Wilmington, North Carolina

Date of Death: February 2, 2013

Age: 23

Military Service: Army National Guard

Deployment: Afghanistan

Education: East Carolina University; Pitt Community College

Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed

Colby Willetts

Full Name: Colby Willetts

Residence: Wilmington, North Carolina

Date of Death: March 14, 2014

Age: 21

Cause of Death: Complications related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Funeral Arrangements: Previously held in Wilmington, North Carolina

Zack Willetts: A Life of Service

Zack Willetts was remembered as a patriotic young man whose commitment to serving his country reflected both courage and dedication.

As a member of the Army National Guard, Zack volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan, proudly following in the footsteps of his father, retired Army veteran Stephen Willetts.

Before entering military service, Zack excelled as a student-athlete, participating in football, baseball, and lacrosse throughout high school. Friends admired his competitive spirit, determination, and willingness to encourage those around him both on and off the field.

After high school, Zack continued his education at East Carolina University before later attending Pitt Community College.

Those who knew him remember a young man full of ambition, loyalty, and genuine kindness whose future appeared filled with limitless potential.

Colby Willetts: A Remarkable Spirit

Just over a year after Zack’s passing, the Willetts family faced another devastating loss when Colby died following his lifelong battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Despite living with a progressive medical condition from childhood, Colby became known for his extraordinary resilience, optimism, and compassion.

Rather than allowing illness to define him, friends say Colby consistently focused on encouraging others while maintaining an uplifting outlook on life.

His obituary described him as thoughtful, gracious, and deeply caring—a young man whose maturity and gentle spirit inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Loved ones remember his humor, humility, and remarkable ability to bring comfort to others despite facing immense personal challenges.

A Family Forever Changed

The deaths of Zack and Colby forever changed the lives of Stephen and Tracey Willetts.

Family members have often spoken about the unimaginable grief the couple carried following the loss of both sons, a sorrow that remained with them throughout the years that followed.

Tracey frequently honored Zack and Colby through photographs, memories, and heartfelt tributes, ensuring their presence remained central to the family’s life.

Those closest to the Willetts family have shared that although grief never disappeared, the love Stephen and Tracey held for their sons remained constant.

Remembered by Family and Friends

Friends continue to remember Zack for his courage, athletic ability, military service, and generous heart.

Colby is remembered for demonstrating extraordinary strength while facing lifelong health challenges with dignity, grace, and compassion.

Together, the brothers left lasting impressions on classmates, neighbors, relatives, fellow service members, and everyone fortunate enough to know them.

Many who remember them today focus not on the tragedies that surrounded the family, but on the joy, laughter, kindness, and inspiration both young men brought into the lives of others.

Enduring Legacy

Although Zack and Colby’s lives ended far too soon, their influence continues through the memories they created and the countless lives they touched.

Zack’s dedication to serving his country and Colby’s extraordinary perseverance remain powerful examples of courage expressed in different ways.

Their stories continue to inspire family, friends, and members of the Wilmington community who proudly remember two brothers whose lives were defined by love, strength, and unwavering character.

They will forever remain deeply loved, profoundly missed, and faithfully remembered.

May Zachary “Zack” Grey Willetts and Colby Willetts both rest in eternal peace, and may their memories continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved them.