Families, teams hurting from suspected drug-related deaths of 2023 Heritage, Bunn grads

Wilson Moore, a 2023 graduate of Heritage High, and Jacob Cope, who graduated from Bunn High in 2023, both passed away on Saturday.

Both Moore and Cope played on a travel baseball team and their respective high school teams before graduating. The two met through work and developed a friendship. The sudden nature of their deaths shocked and saddened friends and family in recent days.

Rolesville police are investigating. A toxicology report has not been finalized.

A Heritage High School baseball team Facebook page posted a note in memory of Moore.

"Wilson knew no strangers, and his positive attitude and smile would boost anyone’s day. And those work boots he always wore, a testament to his hard work and grit. His legacy will forever be remembered in our program and on the field."

Rolesville police also talked about what Moore meant to the community.

"The tragic death of Wilson Moore is a tremendous loss to his family, friends and community," a release from the department said. "We are saddened by his sudden passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Betsy said Wilson and Jacob hung out on Friday night and Wilson came home around 12:30 a.m. He played with the dog and spoke to her and things seemed normal at that point. After Betsy left the house on Saturday, she couldn't reach Wilson. His father later came over and found him dead.

Cope's body was found by Franklin County deputies at a home on Old Halifax Road in Zebulon. Investigators did not have a toxicology report to officially determine if the death was an overdose. Franklin deputies are working with Rolesville police to see if both incidents are related, since both were friends who died on the same day.