Ashley Moore served nine years and was working in the back of the ambulance when she died.
CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — Cleveland County officials mourned paramedic Ashley Moore on Monday after she was killed in a crash involving an ambulance on U.S. 74 in Gaston County.
Moore, 37, was a paramedic and field training officer with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services. Officials said she was caring for a patient in the rear of an ambulance when a Dodge Challenger struck it from behind near Shady Grove Road shortly after 8 a.m. The impact caused the ambulance to flip onto its side.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Moore was ejected and died. The ambulance driver and patient were expected to recover from injuries related to the crash. Troopers said the Challenger was driven by Jared Logan, 35, of Gastonia. He also had injuries that were not life-threatening.
Logan was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, driving while impaired, reckless driving and failure to wear a seatbelt. Troopers said speed and alcohol likely contributed to the crash. He was being held without bond in the Gaston County jail as the investigation continued.
“Our entire Cleveland County team is grieving the loss of one of our own,” EMS Director Thomas McNeilly said. County Manager David B. Cotton said officials were focused on Moore’s family and the EMS workers affected by the line-of-duty death.
Residents near the crash scene described a loud impact and renewed concerns about the busy U.S. 74 corridor near Interstate 85. The highway was closed during the investigation Monday. County officials said memorial information would be released later.
Author note: Last updated July 7, 2026.