At a Glance
- Fletcher Harris, 20, and Skylar Provenza, 19, died in a head-on crash on Jan. 16
- Juan Alvarado Aguilar, 37, is charged with two counts of felony death by vehicle and DWI
- Aguilar is held on $5 million bond and faces federal immigration detainer
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the human cost of drunk driving and the loss of two young lives full of promise
A North Carolina college community is grieving after a drunk driver killed a standout soccer goalkeeper and his hairstylist girlfriend in a violent head-on collision.
The crash occurred on January 16 when Fletcher Harris was driving his Honda Accord with Provenza as passenger. A Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck crossed the center median and struck them head-on, according to a North Carolina State Highway Patrol spokesperson.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The impact was so severe that Harris was ejected through the front windshield.
The Suspect
Juan Alvarado Aguilar was arrested the following day. Court records reviewed by News Of Los Angeles show police observed:
- Strong odor of alcohol
- Unsteady on his feet
- Driving without a valid license
Aguilar faces multiple charges:
- Two counts of felony death by vehicle
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving without a valid license
He remains held on $5 million bond at Rowan County Jail. Federal immigration authorities have placed a detainer on him.
Aguilar has not yet been assigned a public defender. Court records do not indicate whether he has entered a plea.
Fletcher Harris: Rising Star
Harris was a junior at Catawba College with an impressive academic and athletic record:
- Double-majoring in environmental sustainability and biology
- Made the dean’s list every semester
- Starting goalkeeper for the Catawba soccer team
- Earned varsity letters in soccer, football and track at Bandys High School
“This is an unimaginable loss for his family, friends, and our campus community,” said Vice President for Athletics Michelle Caddigan. “Fletcher was an exceptional student, a dedicated athlete, and a true friend to so many.”
Harris dreamed of working for the U.S. Forest Service or serving in the military. His obituary notes he “stood out not only for his talent, but for the way he elevated everyone around him.”
He is survived by his parents and three younger brothers.
Skylar Provenza: Beauty and Simplicity
Provenza, 19, had recently graduated from the Dermacademy Spa Lab and was about to start her career at Datre Hair Co. Her family described her as someone who “embodied beauty and simplicity.”
She had been active in:
- High school softball team
- Cheerleading squad
Provenza met Harris while they both worked summer jobs waiting tables. Their families said it was “evident they were soulmates.”
“There are not enough pages to write all of the family and friends whose lives were forever changed by Skylar, and who will miss her so deeply,” her family wrote. “Skylar’s absence leaves an ache words cannot fully hold.”
She is survived by her parents, brother and sister.
Community Impact
The double tragedy has devastated the local community. Students at Catawba College are mourning the loss of their classmate and teammate. Friends and family remember two young people whose lives were just beginning.
The case serves as another stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the irreversible damage it can cause to families and communities.
