More than 100 students, faculty, and community members gathered at Catawba College on March 15, 2023, for a candlelight vigil honoring the lives of student Fletcher Harris and his girlfriend, Skylar Provenza. The couple tragically lost their lives in a car crash on January 16, 2023, when their vehicle was struck head-on by another driver, Juan Alvarado Aguilar, who was reportedly intoxicated.
The vigil held particular significance, as the college’s motto, “Sic Lux,” translates to “let there be light.” The Harris family adopted the phrase “be the light” as their family mantra. Catawba College President David Nelson emphasized this theme during the event, encouraging attendees to embody the spirit of light that Fletcher represented.
“We will light those candles, which is a reminder of a couple of things,” said Nelson. “It recalls our motto, ‘Sic Lux.’ We challenge one another to be the light in the world, and that seemed to be the theme in Fletcher’s life.”
Fletcher’s mother, Meredith Harris, shared her family’s message of positivity and kindness. “If you knew him in any capacity, it’s not a hard thing to explain,” she said. Meredith urged those present to carry forward Fletcher’s legacy by making conscious choices to be kind and supportive to others.
“Recognize that you are all connected to something greater than yourselves,” she said. “You can choose not to drink and drive. You can be the person that recognizes you may change the world by simply choosing to be a light, like Fletcher did, like Skylar was.”
After Meredith’s heartfelt words, Alex Morais, the Head Soccer Coach at Catawba College, expressed his sense of loss and commitment to honoring Fletcher’s memory. “We are all suffering every day and missing him every day,” Morais stated. He promised that the team would ensure Fletcher’s name would be honored on and off the field.
The vigil also featured memories shared by Jay Bolin, dean of natural sciences and biology professor, who recounted a charming moment involving Fletcher and a parakeet during a class outing. “To me, it was a magical moment,” Bolin recalled. “We’ll all carry those memories of Fletcher in our heart with us through our lives.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Aguilar faces multiple charges, including two counts of felony death by motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. He was initially held on a $250,000 bond, which has since increased to $5 million. Additionally, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer has been placed on Aguilar, who is alleged to have overstayed a temporary work visa issued in 2020.
As the evening progressed, attendees lit their candles and joined together in singing “Amazing Grace.” The act symbolized not only their grief but also the unity and strength found within the community. After the song, participants had the option to leave or stay and share memories in honor of Fletcher and Skylar. Most chose to remain, reflecting on the impact of two lives lost too soon.
The candlelight vigil served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of sorrow. Through shared memories and collective strength, those present found a way to celebrate the enduring light that Fletcher and Skylar brought to their lives.
