On October 14, 2012, 17-year-old Jose Juarez-Cruz died in Charlotte after being ejected from a Ford Expedition that overturned on Finchley Drive. Neighbors said the vehicle and another car were driving recklessly at high speeds in a residential area with a 15 miles per hour limit; Jose reportedly was standing through the sunroof when the crash happened.

Jose was a student at Garinger High School. His family described him as joyful and were left devastated by his death. His brother, Javier Juarez-Cruz, was driving the Expedition and was arrested on charges including felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, operating without a license, and reckless driving.

The community mourned and officials highlighted the dangers of reckless and impaired driving. If anyone knew Jose, his brother, or witnessed what happened that night, please come forward with information.