Craig Handzel of Utica, NY Dies in Deputy-Involved Shooting in Fayetteville, NC; Family and Community Demand Answers
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — A deep sense of shock and sorrow surrounds the tragic death of Craig Handzel, a native of Utica, New York, who was fatally shot in Fayetteville, North Carolina, during an incident involving a Cumberland County deputy. Craig’s life came to a devastating and abrupt end, leaving behind grieving loved ones and raising questions that continue to echo throughout both the Utica and Fayetteville communities.
The loss of Craig has deeply affected those who knew him — a man described by friends and family as compassionate, intelligent, and full of life. As they struggle to come to terms with the sudden and violent circumstances of his death, they are also working to honor the memory of a beloved son, brother, and friend who was taken too soon.
A Tragic Incident
According to initial reports, Craig Handzel was killed in an officer-involved shooting involving a Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputy. The incident reportedly unfolded in Fayetteville, where law enforcement was responding to a situation that quickly escalated. Specific details surrounding the shooting, including what led up to the encounter and whether body camera footage is available, have not yet been fully disclosed to the public.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is currently conducting an independent review of the incident, which is standard procedure in deputy-involved shootings. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
As the community awaits clarity and accountability, Craig’s loved ones are demanding answers and justice, while simultaneously navigating the heartbreak of his sudden death.
Remembering Craig Handzel
Originally from Utica, New York, Craig Handzel carried with him the spirit of his hometown even as he moved through life in other places. Known for his loyalty, warm smile, and quiet strength, Craig was the type of person who made lasting impressions. Whether through childhood friendships, school days in Utica, or recent connections in North Carolina, he built strong bonds with those around him.
Friends describe Craig as someone who was thoughtful, driven, and full of potential. He had a deep appreciation for music, enjoyed spending time outdoors, and was always seeking new opportunities to grow and give back. He had ambitions, dreams, and a desire to live a life of purpose — dreams that were abruptly cut short.
“He had so much more life to live,” one longtime friend wrote. “Craig wasn’t perfect, but he was trying. He was evolving. And he deserved a chance to keep becoming who he wanted to be.”
Family in Mourning
Craig’s death has left his family heartbroken. He was a beloved son, grandson, brother, and cousin, and his absence is deeply felt by those who loved him most. In the midst of their grief, they are also seeking truth, transparency, and peace — not just for Craig’s memory, but for the sake of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
His family has expressed their sorrow in public tributes, describing Craig as “loving, protective, and fiercely loyal.” They also remembered his unique sense of humor, his devotion to his siblings, and his unwavering bond with his mother and extended family.
In the days ahead, they plan to honor his life through a memorial service that celebrates who Craig was beyond the headlines — a human being with struggles, hopes, and a heart that beat with love for those closest to him.
A Community Grappling With Grief
In both Utica, NY, and Fayetteville, NC, Craig’s death has sparked grief, conversation, and reflection. For many, his passing has become another painful reminder of the complex and often tragic intersections between mental health, policing, and systemic challenges that remain unresolved in communities across the country.
Friends and supporters have already begun organizing online tributes and planning vigils, calling not only for justice but for compassion, reform, and greater support for individuals who find themselves in crisis. Craig’s name is now part of a growing chorus of those who deserve to be remembered with dignity, truth, and humanity.
Honoring Craig’s Life and Legacy
Craig Handzel’s story is not just defined by the final moments of his life. His legacy lives on in the people he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave. Those closest to him will remember his deep soul, his quiet determination, and the unique light he brought into the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to organizations that provide mental health support, advocate for policing reform, or help families affected by officer-involved shootings. They hope Craig’s story can become a catalyst for awareness, change, and healing.
Final Farewell
As friends and family gather to say goodbye, they are choosing to hold tightly to memories that speak to who Craig Handzel truly was — not a statistic or a headline, but a man of heart, depth, and potential, whose life, though tragically cut short, still matters deeply.
Rest in peace, Craig. You were loved, you mattered, and your story will not be forgotten.