An illegal immigrant was thrown behind bars for allegedly driving drunk and crashing head-on into a car, killing a North Carolina college soccer player and his 19-year-old girlfriend.
Juan Alvarado Aguilar, 37, was reportedly intoxicated while driving his Chevy Silverado when he crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic on Amity Hill Road in Cleveland late Friday night, multiple local outlets reported. Aguilar allegedly collided head-on with a Honda Accord, sending it off the road and ejecting one passenger from the vehicle, according to the reports.
Fletcher Mark Daniel Harris, a 20-year-old Catawba College student driving the Honda, and Statesville resident Skylar Nichole Provenza were both pronounced dead at the scene, Queen City News reported. Authorities confirmed that both victims were wearing their seatbelts during the deadly crash.
The accused motorist, who was allegedly driving while intoxicated and without a license, suffered only minor injuries, the Salisbury Post reported. Aguilar, who has a pending 2020 DWI charge in Cabarrus County, was arrested Saturday and hit with an ICE detainer after authorities found his Mexican passport, outlets reported citing court records.
He was charged with two counts of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired, according to jail records.
Harris, a junior double majoring in environmental sustainability and biology, played for Catawba College’s men’s soccer team, WBTV reported.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Fletcher Harris,” said Michelle Cadigan, vice president for athletics, in a statement. “This is an unimaginable loss for his family, friends, and our campus community. Fletcher was an exceptional student, a dedicated athlete, and a true friend to so many. His impact extended far beyond the soccer field. He was a valued campus citizen whose character, kindness, and work ethic embodied everything we strived for in our student-athletes.”
Soccer coach Alex Morais added that Harris was “profoundly loved,” according to the Salisbury Post.
“The response of love and support has been overwhelming and reflects the profound impact this incredible young man had on so many lives,” Morais said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we will continue to support them in every way we can.”
Aguilar is currently being held at the Rowan County Detention Center on a $5 million bond. He is due back in court on March 2.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/us-news/illegal-immigrant-charged-in-fatal-dui-crash-that-killed-nc-college-soccer-player-girlfriend/
