Charlotte, July 31, 2025
News Summary
A Charlotte teenager, Isabella Tarantelli, has filed a lawsuit against Christ School and former student William Neumann following a tragic car crash that resulted in serious injuries and the deaths of two passengers. The lawsuit alleges negligence on both parties regarding distracted driving and safety policy enforcement. Tarantelli is seeking over $50,000 in damages. The incident, which occurred on Interstate 40 during prom night, raises concerns about student safety and school responsibilities in transportation.
Charlotte – A Charlotte teenager named Isabella Tarantelli has initiated a lawsuit against Christ School and former student William Neumann due to a tragic crash that occurred on April 6, 2024. The lawsuit, filed on July 23, 2025, in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, alleges that the incident has resulted in “permanent physical and emotional injuries” to Tarantelli following the fatal accident along Interstate 40.
The collision involved three male students from Christ School and three female teenagers from Charlotte. At the time of the crash, Neumann, then 18 years old, was driving a 2014 Volvo XC90 SUV and was reportedly speeding at around 115 miles per hour. Reports indicate that Neumann was using his cell phone to film the speedometer when he lost control while attempting to take Exit 53B on I-40, ultimately crashing into a tree and a bush.
Tragically, two passengers in the vehicle, Robert “RJ” Fox, 19, and Sophie Gordon, 16, lost their lives during the incident, both seated in the rear of the SUV. Following the crash, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol charged Neumann with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. Neumann surrendered to authorities on April 7, 2024, after warrants were issued for his arrest.
The lawsuit highlights accusations against Neumann for negligence, specifically concerning distracted driving and excessive speed. Meanwhile, Christ School faces allegations of negligence for not enforcing its safety policies regarding student transportation after prom. Neumann’s adoptive mother had previously instructed the school to restrict his access to the vehicle keys to prevent him from driving.
The prom organized by Christ School took place at a hotel in downtown Asheville, requiring students to return to campus using school-provided transportation. However, the lawsuit claims that the school failed to ensure the safe transport of the students’ guests after returning to campus. Tarantelli’s legal team asserts that Christ School was aware of the risks posed by inadequate enforcement of its policies, putting students in danger.
In seeking justice, Tarantelli is pursuing more than $25,000 in compensatory damages as well as an additional $25,000 or more in punitive damages. The case underscores the ongoing debates around school policies and after-prom safety measures, highlighting the responsibilities educational institutions carry in ensuring the safety of their students.
Background Context
Safety in student transportation has been an area of concern for many schools. The tragic events surrounding the prom night incident serve as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless behavior and the critical role that schools play in safeguarding their students. The increasing use of smartphones among teen drivers has raised alarms regarding distracted driving, prompting advocacy for stricter regulations and educational programs focusing on awareness and responsibility.
FAQ Section
What prompted Isabella Tarantelli to sue Christ School and William Neumann?
The lawsuit stems from a fatal crash on April 6, 2024, that caused Isabella Tarantelli severe injuries. She is claiming negligence against both Neumann and Christ School for inadequate enforcement of safety policies.
What were the circumstances of the crash?
William Neumann was driving at approximately 115 miles per hour while using his cell phone to record the speedometer. He lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the crash that killed two passengers.
What damages is Tarantelli seeking in the lawsuit?
Isabella Tarantelli is suing for more than $25,000 in compensatory damages and at least another $25,000 in punitive damages.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Litigants | Isabella Tarantelli vs. Christ School and William Neumann |
| Date of Incident | April 6, 2024 |
| Date of Lawsuit | July 23, 2025 |
| Location | Interstate 40, North Carolina |
| Speeds Involved | Approx. 115 mph |
| Number of Passengers | Two fatalities and three others involved |
| Charges Against Neumann | Misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving |
| Damages Requested | Over $50,000 |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Charlotte Teen Sues Over Fatal Prom Night Crash
- WSOC TV: Teen Sues Boarding School
- Charlotte Observer: Isabella Tarantelli Lawsuit
- Google Search: Charlotte Teen Sues Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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