The Catawba College community is grieving the death of student-athlete Fletcher Harris, who was killed in a car crash late Friday night, Jan. 16. The collision also injured another young woman and resulted in felony charges against the driver of a pickup truck involved in the crash.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the crash happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Amity Hill Road near Cleveland, just east of the Iredell County line. A passenger vehicle and a pickup truck were involved. Harris, who was from Catawba, North Carolina, and his passenger, 19-year-old Skylar Nichole Provenza of Statesville, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the pickup truck driver, 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was not seriously hurt. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged with driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, and failure to appear. His bond was set at $251,500.
Harris was a member of the Catawba College men’s soccer team, where he played for three seasons. In addition to his athletic commitments, he was a strong student, pursuing a double major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Biology. He earned repeated academic honors, including placement on the Presidential Honor Roll and the Dean’s List.
Catawba College Vice President for Athletics Michelle Caddigan shared the institution’s grief in a statement, describing Harris as an outstanding student-athlete whose influence extended well beyond the soccer field. She emphasized his character, kindness, and dedication, noting that his loss is deeply felt across campus.
Men’s soccer head coach Alex Morais also reflected on Harris’s impact, describing him as a leader, teammate, and friend who inspired those around him. Morais said Harris’s commitment, positivity, and character left a lasting impression on the program.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes from teammates, alumni, classmates, and members of the soccer community have continued to pour in, many remembering Harris for his compassion, work ethic, and uplifting spirit.
Catawba College said details regarding memorial events and funeral services will be shared when available. The college has made counseling and support resources available to students, faculty, and staff, encouraging anyone in need to reach out to Catawba College Counseling Services or the Crisis Text Line.
As the community continues to mourn, Fletcher Harris is being remembered for his achievements in the classroom and on the field, as well as for the leadership, kindness, and positive influence he had on those around him.
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