A native of Middlesex County, Pa., he was the son of Patrick Michael McLaughlin Sr. and Laura Hughes McLaughlin. At the time of his death, he was working on Eagle Scout project. He was a senior at East Wake High School and worked for Prestige Photos. He was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his parents are two brothers, Christopher Michael McLaughlin and Michael Christopher McLaughlin; his maternal grandfather, William Hughes; his paternal grandparents, Robert William McLaughlin and Nancy Jean and Russell "Papa" George Lecaroz.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Zebulon Baptist Church.

Arrangements were by Strickland Funeral Home.