Shannon Swiderski Hamrick, whose daughter Skylar Provenza, 19, and son-in-law-to-be Fletcher Harris, 20, were killed in a Jan. 16 head-on crash in Rowan County, criticized Grammy performers for political messages she says overlook victims. Authorities allege the pickup driver crossed the center line while impaired; he faces two counts of felony death by vehicle and related charges and is held on bond above $5 million. Court records show a dismissed 2020 DWI and prior failures to appear, and ICE has placed a detainer. Lawmakers cited the case in calls for stricter immigration enforcement; Hamrick says the family wants accountability and decency.
Mother of Teen Killed in Alleged DUI Slams Grammy Speeches, Demands Accountability
Family members of Fletcher Harris and Skylar Provenza walk together in mourning following the deaths of the two teens in a fatal crash.(Fox News)
A grieving North Carolina mother is criticizing celebrity political messaging after her 19-year-old daughter and the daughter’s boyfriend were killed in an alleged drunk-driving crash earlier this month.
Tragic Crash and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say Skylar Provenza, 19, and her boyfriend Fletcher Harris, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene after a head-on collision just after 11 p.m. on Jan. 16 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Prosecutors allege the pickup truck driven by 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar crossed the center line and struck the couple’s vehicle.
Fletcher Harris and Skylar Provenza are shown in a photo taken before their deaths. The two were killed in a DUI crash, according to authorities.
Officers reported a strong odor of alcohol and that the driver appeared unsteady when arrested. Court records reviewed by local media show Aguilar had a prior driving-while-impaired charge from 2020 that was dismissed and two prior failures to appear. Authorities say an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer has been placed on Aguilar, who is alleged to be an undocumented immigrant.
Aguilar now faces two counts of felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired and additional charges. He is being held on bond in excess of $5 million. All allegations are pending in court.
Juan Alvarado Aguilar is shown in a booking photo released by authorities. Police said Aguilar, 37, was identified as the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado involved in a DUI crash that killed two people.
Family Reaction: Grief, Anger and a Call for Decency
In a statement to Fox News Digital, mother Shannon Swiderski Hamrick described the immediate and ongoing pain of losing her daughter and the couple’s future together. She said she had tried to avoid the media and political debate but was moved to speak out after watching the Grammy Awards.
"I’ve prayed, I’ve cried, I’m angry, I’m sad. It’s not fair," Hamrick said. "I watched the Grammys last night — I shouldn’t have. Some of my favorite artists used their voices to advocate for something they probably haven’t personally been affected by. Instead, they promoted drinking and pretty much promoted being above the law."
Hamrick urged people to act with decency and to make better choices, emphasizing that her family seeks accountability and support as they mourn.
A memorial display features a framed photograph of Fletcher Harris and Skylar Provenza surrounded by flowers honoring the teens’ lives.
Political Response
Republican lawmakers seized on the crash to highlight perceived gaps in immigration enforcement. Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.) and North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall criticized federal policies and argued the crash illustrates risks posed by individuals with prior DUI-related incidents who allegedly remained on the road.
Supporters of stronger enforcement say the case underscores the need for policy changes; others caution that investigations and court proceedings must run their course before drawing policy conclusions.
Remembering the Victims
Friends and family have described Provenza and Harris as young people with promising futures—Harris was a standout on the Catawba College soccer team. The community continues to mourn as the legal process moves forward.
Note: The driver’s actions and immigration status are described according to allegations and official statements; charges are pending and the legal process is ongoing.
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