NC trooper Zach Martin dies after cancer battle

WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Rest easy, Zach Martin.

Martin, an NC State Highway Patrol trooper who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Ewing Sarcoma, has died. Beaufort County Sheriff Scott Hammonds, a former trooper, announced the news on social media Saturday morning.

Ewing Sarcoma is a type of cancer that is similar to Lymphoma and bone cancer. News had been circulating of his declining health over the past few weeks. A benefit was still held Saturday for Martin at Alligood Church of God in Washington.

“This morning, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, learned of the passing of Trooper Zach Martin after a courageous fight with cancer. Trooper Martin served seven years at the Office, before joining the NCSHP. We would like to extend our greatest sympathies to Zach’s family at this time. Zach will always be a part of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Family.”

A procession from Paul Funeral Home in Washington to Greenville was held Saturday morning. Funeral arrangements were incomplete as of Saturday afternoon.

WNCT’s Shannon Baker did a feature story on Martin, his family and the cancer battle in 2023. They talked about how this diagnosis changed their lives, how they plan on tackling this news head-on and much more.

You can watch the video above.