Madison Lee Zehmer, 29, Dies in Tragic Drowning Incident

Madison Lee Zehmer, 29, has died following a tragic drowning accident on November 4, 2026, leaving her family, friends and loved ones mourning the loss of a remarkable young woman whose life was defined by her love of history, music, poetry, nature and family.

Madison was the oldest of three daughters born to Lee and Brooke Zehmer. She is survived by her parents, her twin sister, Kinsley, and her younger sister, Mollie.

A bright and accomplished student, Madison attended Lexington City Schools through 10th grade before graduating from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. She went on to earn degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

An avid historian and researcher, Madison combined her academic interests with her professional work as a map cataloger at the St. Louis Mercantile Library in Missouri. She also devoted considerable time to genealogy research, through which she identified and traced the Zehmer family’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Beyond her academic achievements, Madison had a deep passion for music, poetry and the outdoors. Her love of choral music began in the Lexington City Schools choral programs and continued throughout her undergraduate years, when she sang with both the Wake Forest Concert Choir and the Wake Forest Chamber Choir.

She was also a talented pianist and had recently been learning to play the violin and banjo. Her creative interests extended to poetry, and she had recently published two books under a pseudonym. She was particularly honored to have been selected to read her work in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Madison found great happiness in nature and spent much of her time exploring the outdoors. She hiked extensively throughout the United States, although the trails of western North Carolina remained her favorites. She also enjoyed rock climbing and bouldering whenever opportunities arose.

Above all, Madison deeply loved her family and treasured the moments they shared together. In addition to her parents and sisters, she will be lovingly remembered by her grandmother, Jeri Wynn Bowyer, affectionately known as “Gigi,” and her adopted grandfather, Charles Bowyer; her grandfather, John Zehmer, known as “Papete”; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her extended family includes Shelly and Christian Bishop, Paige Staples, Bud Zehmer, John Zehmer and Kathy Manning, Jennie Alwood and Rosie McSweeney. She also shared special bonds with her cousins Bailey Bishop Haker, her husband Luke and their daughter Rollins, Mac Staples, Wynn Staples, Frances Zehmer and Jamie Zehmer.

A memorial service celebrating Madison’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, North Carolina, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. The service will be officiated by Dr. Stan Ott.

Madison’s life touched many through her curiosity, creativity, accomplishments and deep love for those around her. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the memories of her remarkable spirit and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

May her memory be a blessing.