Charlotte, NC, August 3, 2025
News Summary
A Charlotte teenager, Isabella Tarantelli, has sued Christ School for negligence after a tragic car accident involving a fellow student, William Neumann. The April crash, which occurred at 115 mph, claimed the lives of passengers Sophie Gordon and Robert Fox. Tarantelli’s suit highlights negligence in enforcing school policies regarding student vehicle access. Neumann now faces charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. The Asheville Police Department is investigating multiple recent traffic incidents in the area.
Charlotte, NC – A Charlotte teenager, Isabella Tarantelli, has filed a lawsuit against Christ School, a private boarding school located in Asheville, following a tragic car crash on April 6, 2024. The incident involved William Neumann, a fellow student from Augusta, Georgia, who was allegedly driving at speeds of 115 mph while using his phone when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. The crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers: 16-year-old Sophie Gordon, a student from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, and Robert Fox, a resident of Wilmette, Illinois.
The lawsuit filed by Tarantelli accuses Christ School of negligence, stating that the institution failed to enforce its own policy requiring students to surrender their car keys. According to the complaint, Neumann’s mother had specifically instructed the school not to give him access to car keys. As a result of the crash, Neumann has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. Tarantelli is seeking a jury trial connected to injuries sustained in the crash.
The car crash is part of a series of incidents occurring recently on North Carolina highways. In a separate incident, a man named Carlos Alfredo Amaya-Segovia, age 34, was killed when a vehicle that had experienced mechanical failure struck him on the shoulder of Interstate 40. The disabled truck, a 2008 Ford F-250, was pulled over when it was hit by a 2021 Ford F-450, leading to Amaya-Segovia’s fatal injuries.
Additionally, a third crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Zachariah Robert Cosgrove. Cosgrove was involved in a collision between his 2015 Jeep Wrangler and a 1984 Pontiac Firebird on Interstate 240 West. The Jeep was changing lanes when it rolled over, subsequently colliding with a 2018 Ford F-150. Cosgrove, not wearing a seatbelt at the time, was ejected from his vehicle and later died from his injuries at Mission Hospital. A passenger in Cosgrove’s Jeep suffered only minor injuries.
Both of these incidents, like the crash that led to the lawsuit against Christ School, are currently under investigation by the Asheville Police Department. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact them at (828) 252-1110.
Background Context
The legal action taken by Isabella Tarantelli highlights concerns surrounding safety regulations in boarding schools and the ongoing issues linked to reckless driving among young people. The incidents on Interstate 40 and Interstate 240 serve as reminders of the dangers on the roads and the importance of adhering to traffic laws. With ongoing investigations into each case, law enforcement continues to gather information to hold any responsible parties accountable.
FAQ
What is the lawsuit about?
Isabella Tarantelli is suing Christ School for negligence following a fatal car crash involving a speeding student who was using his phone while driving.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The crash involved two victims: 16-year-old Sophie Gordon and Robert Fox from Illinois.
What charges have been brought against William Neumann?
William Neumann has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving.
Are there other traffic incidents being investigated?
Yes, the Asheville Police Department is investigating other separate traffic incidents that have recently occurred in the area, including a fatal accident involving Carlos Alfredo Amaya-Segovia and Zachariah Robert Cosgrove.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, NC and Asheville, NC |
| Key Individuals | Isabella Tarantelli, William Neumann, Sophie Gordon, Robert Fox, Carlos Alfredo Amaya-Segovia, Zachariah Robert Cosgrove |
| Crash Date | April 6, 2024 |
| Charges | Misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving |
| Casualties | 2 deceased from car crash, 1 deceased from mechanical failure incident |
| Investigation | Asheville Police Department |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Fatal Car Crash on Interstate 40
- WSOC-TV: Charlotte Teen Sues Boarding School
- WYFF: Fatal Crash in Asheville on I-40
- Fox Carolina: Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash
- 828 News Now: Crash Closes I-26 East
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Google Search: North Carolina Car Accident Laws
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Laws
- Google News: North Carolina Traffic Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
