CLEVELAND, N.C. — A Catawba College soccer player and his girlfriend were killed in a head-on crash Friday night after a driver accused of driving while impaired crossed the centerline and struck their vehicle, authorities said.
Juan Alvarado Aguilar, 37, was arrested following the collision on Amity Hill Road in Cleveland on Friday, Jan. 16. Investigators said Aguilar was driving a Chevrolet Silverado when he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Honda Accord occupied by the young couple.
The impact forced the Honda off the roadway. Police said the driver of the Honda was ejected through the front windshield due to the force of the crash.
Fletcher Mark Daniel Harris, 20, a Catawba College student, and Skylar Nichole Provenza, 19, of Statesville, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports. Authorities said both victims were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Aguilar suffered minor injuries. According to an arrest affidavit, responding officers noted signs consistent with impairment, including the smell of alcohol and unsteady behavior. Court records indicate Aguilar was driving without a valid license and has a prior pending DWI case from 2020 in Cabarrus County.
Aguilar was taken into custody and charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired. An immigration detainer was also placed following his arrest, according to court documents.
Harris was a junior at Catawba College, double-majoring in environmental sustainability and biology. He was a goalkeeper for the college’s soccer team and had made the dean’s list each semester, the school’s athletic department said.
College officials and teammates expressed grief following Harris’ death, remembering him as a dedicated student, athlete, and friend whose impact extended beyond the field.
Provenza’s family said in her obituary that she and Harris met while working a summer job together and described the couple as “soulmates.” She is survived by her parents and siblings.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
