CLEVELAND, N.C. — The Catawba College community is in mourning after student-athlete Fletcher Harris was killed in a car crash late Friday night. The collision, which involved an alleged impaired driver, also claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported the two-vehicle crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, January 16, on Amity Hill Road near Cleveland, just east of the Iredell County line. Harris, a Catawba, N.C. native, and his passenger, Skylar Nichole Provenza of Statesville, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck involved, 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was not seriously injured. He was taken into custody and charged with driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, and failure to appear. His bond was set at $251,500, and he remains in custody.
Harris was a standout member of the Catawba College men’s soccer team, having played for three seasons. Beyond athletics, he was an accomplished student pursuing a double major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Biology, earning repeated academic honors including placement on the Presidential Honor Roll and the Dean’s List.
In a statement, Catawba College Vice President for Athletics Michelle Caddigan described Harris as an “outstanding student-athlete whose influence extended well beyond the soccer field,” emphasizing his character and kindness.
Head men’s soccer coach Alex Morais reflected on the loss, calling Harris a “leader, teammate, and friend who inspired those around him.” Tributes from teammates, classmates, and the broader soccer community have poured in, remembering Harris for his compassion, work ethic, and positive spirit.
Catawba College has activated support services for students and staff, encouraging anyone in need to contact Catawba College Counseling Services. Details regarding memorial services will be shared by the family and the college when they are finalized.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to remember a young man celebrated for his achievements, leadership, and the profound impact he had on his campus.