Skylar Provenza Injured, Fletcher Harris Killed in Crash; Juan Alvarado Aguilar Charged
FLETCHER HARRIS, The Catawba College community is mourning the tragic loss of student-athlete Fletcher Harris, who died following a car accident late Friday night, January 16. The crash also left another young woman injured and resulted in felony charges against the driver of a pickup truck involved in the collision.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the accident happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Amity Hill Road near Cleveland, just east of the Iredell County line. The collision involved a passenger car and a pickup truck. Fletcher Harris, a native of nearby Catawba, North Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 19-year-old Skylar Nichole Provenza of Statesville, sustained injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck, identified as 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was not seriously hurt. Authorities arrested Aguilar at the scene and charged him with driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, and failure to appear. His bond was set at $251,500.
Fletcher Harris was a valued member of the Catawba College men’s soccer program, where he competed for the past three seasons. In addition to athletics, Harris was an accomplished student who double majored 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, saying the college was heartbroken by the tragic loss. She described Harris as an exceptional student, a dedicated athlete, and a friend whose impact reached far beyond the soccer field.
Catawba Head Men’s Soccer Coach Alex Morais also reflected on Harris’s influence, saying he was profoundly loved and would be missed throughout the program and community. Morais described Harris as a leader, teammate, and friend whose dedication, character, and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
Since news of his death, tributes have poured in from teammates, classmates, alumni, and members of the broader soccer community, many remembering Harris for his compassion, work ethic, and uplifting spirit both on and off the field.
Catawba College announced that additional details regarding vigils and funeral arrangements will be shared when available. Counseling and support services have been made accessible to students, faculty, and staff during this time. Those seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Catawba College Counseling Services at 704-645-5400 or counseling@catawba.edu, or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.
As the Catawba College community continues to grieve, Fletcher Harris is being remembered not only for his athletic achievements and academic dedication, but also for the kindness, leadership, and spirit that left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
