Illegal Alien ID’d As Driver In Friday Crash That Killed Young NC Couple

ROWAN COUNTY, NC. (THECOUNT.COM) — Fletcher Harris, 20, of Catawba, and Skylar Provenza, 19, of Statesville, were killed Friday night after their vehicle was struck head-on by Juan Alvarado Aguilar, 37, who has since been placed under an ICE detainer, authorities said.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. Friday along Amity Hill Road near the Iredell County line in Rowan County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Emergency responders arrived after receiving reports of a serious collision involving two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

Harris was driving a Honda Accord when a Chevy Silverado traveling north crossed the center line and collided with the Accord directly. Both Harris and Provenza were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision.

The driver of the Silverado, Aguilar, was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken into custody. Aguilar was booked into the Rowan County Jail on multiple charges, including two counts of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired.

Aguilar was also issued a $250,000 bond for the crash and has an outstanding $1,500 bond from a prior failure-to-appear charge connected to a driving while intoxicated case in Cabarrus County.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Aguilar, indicating that federal immigration authorities determined he is not legally in the United States. This means local law enforcement must notify ICE before any potential release or transfer of Aguilar.

Amity Hill Road is a rural two-lane roadway in central Rowan County, connecting several communities east of the Iredell County line. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol noted the roadway has seen serious crashes previously.

Authorities have not released further details regarding Aguilar’s immigration status or whether federal charges may follow. They are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash, including speed, impairment, and road conditions.

Harris was a junior at Catawba College, majoring in environmental and sustainability studies and biology. He was an active student-athlete on the men’s soccer team and had been recognized on both the Dean’s List and Presidential Honor Roll during his academic career.

Catawba College officials confirmed they are providing counseling and support services for students and staff following the tragedy.

Provenza, the passenger, has not had additional public affiliations released by authorities. Both victims were residents of Rowan County and had family and friends in the area mourning the loss.

Investigators from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are reviewing witness statements, physical evidence, and any available surveillance as part of the continuing investigation. Traffic safety analysts are also reviewing the roadway section where the crash occurred.

Friends and family have gathered at the crash site and elsewhere to pay tribute, leaving flowers and personal items in memory of Harris and Provenza. Local officials said memorial and community support efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or Rowan County law enforcement to aid in the ongoing investigation.

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