'Fight with courage:' NC state trooper, father of 2, loses battle with rare bone cancer

A funeral for a North Carolina State Trooper who passed away after battling cancer is happening Friday.

Zachary Martin, 35, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Bone Cancer in 2022. He leaves behind a wife, described as the 'love of his life' and two boys, who were also the 'light and love of his life.'

Born in 1989, he grew up in High Point and started playing football at age 9. He continued his football career throughout high school at Trinity High.

In 2009, he decided he wanted to work in law enforcement. He graduated from Davidson Community College and joined Belhaven PD. Then, in 2010, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department recruited Zach to come work for them, where he was nominated and was awarded Rookie of the Year.

He fulfilled his dream of becoming a state trooper in 2018 – a dream and a passion he continued until his death.

"His fellow troopers never left his side during his journey with cancer. The brotherhood that they share is beyond amazing," reads his obituary.

Many of his fellow troopers will serve as pallbearers.

“Trooper Martin carried on this fight with courage, determination and perseverance,” said Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Our heartfelt prayers and condolences are with the Martin family as they cope through this time of loss.”

Martin's family wants to thank all of the North Carolina State Troopers for their love and support, as well as the doctors and nurses at Duke University Hospital and Hospice House of Greenville.

A Celebration of Life is being held Friday at 1 p.m. at the First Church of Christ in Washington. A burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at First Church of Christ of Washington.