An illegal immigrant was thrown behind bars for allegedly driving drunk and slamming head-on into a car, killing a North Carolina college soccer player and his 19-year-old girlfriend.
Juan Alvarado Aguilar, 37, was allegedly drunk behind the wheel of 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 plowed head-on into 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 said the duo were both wearing their seatbelts during the deadly crash.
The accused tipsy motorist, who was also allegedly driving without a license, only suffered 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, the outlets reported, citing court records.
He was charged with two counts of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired, jail records show.
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,” Michelle Cadigan, vice president for athletics, said 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 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,” Harris said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we will continue to support them in every way we can.”
Aguilar is being held behind bars at the Rowan County Detention Center on a $5 million bond.
He is due back in court on March 2.
