In Loving Memory of Triston Goins, Howard Dean Jones, and Ashley N. Jacobs

In Loving Memory of Triston Goins, Howard Dean Jones, and Ashley N. Jacobs

The community of Robeson County, North Carolina, is grieving an unimaginable loss following the tragic discovery of three lives taken too soon. On the morning of Sunday, March 22, 2026, sorrow spread across Pembroke and surrounding areas as news emerged of the passing of Triston Goins, 28, of Maxton; Howard Dean Jones, 51, of Lumberton; and Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, of Pembroke.

According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 6:39 a.m. to a residence on Melinda Road in Pembroke in response to reports of two deceased individuals found inside a camper. Upon arrival, deputies made the heartbreaking discovery of a third individual also deceased within the camper. The scene was one of profound tragedy—one that has left families shattered and a community searching for answers.

As part of the ongoing investigation, all three individuals will be transported to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office, where autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities, including assisting agencies, continue to work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins has sought to reassure the public during this difficult time, emphasizing that this incident is not connected to the recent passing of Jame P. Lowery, 51, of Pembroke, whose death earlier this month was determined not to be the result of a homicide. While questions remain, the focus now rests on honoring the lives lost and supporting those left behind.

Though the details surrounding their passing are still unfolding, what remains certain is the deep impact each of these individuals had on those who knew them.

Triston Goins, just 28 years old, carried the promise of years yet to be lived, dreams yet to be fulfilled, and moments yet to be shared. His youth makes this loss especially painful—a life interrupted far too soon.

Howard Dean Jones, 51, brought with him a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and memories. He was someone who had walked many paths, leaving behind connections and stories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, is remembered as a cherished presence in her community. Her passing leaves a void not only in her family but also among friends and neighbors who knew her kindness, her spirit, and her place in their lives.

Together, their lives intersected in a way that now binds their memories forever. The loss of three individuals at once has cast a heavy shadow over Robeson County—one that is felt deeply by all who call this community home.

In times of tragedy, communities often come together, offering strength, compassion, and support. Robeson County now stands united in grief, lifting up the families and loved ones of Triston, Howard, and Ashley. The pain of such a loss is difficult to comprehend, but within that pain lies a shared determination to remember, to honor, and to support one another.

As the investigation continues, loved ones are left holding onto memories—the laughter shared, the conversations had, the moments that once seemed ordinary but now carry profound meaning. These memories become a source of comfort, a way to keep their spirits alive even in the face of such sorrow.

Though their lives ended under tragic circumstances, they will not be defined solely by this moment. They will be remembered for who they were—their lives, their connections, and the impact they made in ways both seen and unseen.

May Triston Goins, Howard Dean Jones, and Ashley N. Jacobs rest in peace. May their families find strength in the love that surrounds them, and may their memories continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew them.