Catawba College Athletics Mourns the Loss of Student-Athlete Fletcher Harris

A tragic head-on collision in Rowan County resulted in the deaths of two young individuals Friday night, prompting a swift response from authorities and community mourning. The accident occurred around 11:13 p.m. on Amity Hill Road near Cleveland, when a Chevrolet Silverado driven by 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar crossed the center line and collided with a Honda Accord. The crash claimed the lives of Fletcher Mark Daniel Harris, 20, of Catawba, and Skylar Nichole Provenza, 19, of Statesville, who were traveling together in the Accord.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with Harris reportedly ejected from the vehicle during the impact. Harris was a dedicated student-athlete at Catawba College, serving as the men’s soccer goalkeeper for three seasons and consistently earning Dean’s List honors. His college community expressed deep sorrow over his loss, describing him as a profoundly loved individual. Head Coach Alex Morais issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “Our hearts are broken. Fletcher was profoundly loved and will be missed by everyone in our program and community.” The college has arranged counseling services and plans to honor Harris’ memory, with details on vigils and memorial services forthcoming.

Aguilar, who was treated at the scene for minor injuries, faces multiple charges related to the crash. These include two counts of felony death by vehicle, driving while license revoked, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane control. He also holds a failure-to-appear warrant from a 2020 DWI case in Cabarrus County. Aguilar is currently held at the Rowan CCatawba College Athletics Mourns the Loss of Student-Athlete Fletcher Harrisounty Detention Center on a secured bond of $251,500. His charges reflect the severity of his alleged actions and the tragic consequences of impaired driving.

In the aftermath of the crash, the local community has rallied around the families of the victims. A Meal Train has been organized to provide support and assistance to those affected. Friends and community members continue to mourn the loss of Harris and Provenza, emphasizing the devastating impact of the accident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, prompting calls for increased awareness and safety measures to prevent future tragedies on area roads. As investigations continue, the families and community hold onto hope for justice and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.