For more than two decades, visitors to Franklin Street have likely walked past or wandered into the Classic Carolina store in downtown Chapel Hill. The locally-owned business that sells UNC fan apparel has recently been closed to revamp its branding and interior, and had planned a grand re-opening on September 9.
But now, after a family tragedy, the store will remained closed for the time being.
Classic Carolina, and others in the Chapel Hill business community, shared the news that Dhruva Chellani and his son, Kris, died on Wednesday, September 6 in a car crash. The two were co-owners of the shop at 171 East Franklin Street, which Dhruva had run since 1993.
According to a social media post from the business, Chellani, his son and wife Nina were returning home from a community event when the family’s vehicle was “struck head on by a high-speed driver who swerved into their lane.” The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed this to Chapelboro on Tuesday, saying Kris Chellani was driving his parents north on NC 751 near Clyde Farrell Road in Chatham County. 45-year-old Jason Frye of Apex was traveling south on the road in an SUV when he “crossed the center line and struck Chellani head-on.” Kris and Dhruva died on-scene, according to the State Highway Patrol. The elder Chellani was 61 years old, and Kris was 24.
The State Highway Patrol said Nina Chellani was transported to UNC Hospitals for surgery on “serious life-threatening injuries,” as was Frye. Investigators said they are set to meet with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office later this week about potential charges against Frye in the crash.
“The sudden and unexpected loss of Kris and his father has left their family not only emotionally devastated,” read Classic Carolina’s post on September 9, “but also facing the overwhelming burden of funeral expenses, outstanding bills, and the uncertain road ahead.”
Kris (left) and Dhruva Chellani stand outside the Classic Carolina storefront prior to its renovation in 2023. (Photo via Classic Carolina.)
Kris Chellani, who was a UNC graduate in the class of 2020, was a burgeoning businessman who had a vision for the store’s recent rebrand and expansion of social media presence. His personal platforms on social media had tens of thousands of followers, with Chellani gaining popularity for filming videos in New York City in a ‘man on the street’ fashion and starting a challenge of offering people money or doubling the offer for the next person encountered.
The grand re-opening of Classic Carolina planned for September 9 was the culmination of extensive renovation that lasted around six months, with the younger Chellani telling Chapelboro in July its costs exceeded $100,000. The local business’ celebration was set to feature opportunities to win prizes, like store credit and merchandise.
Instead, the family is now asking for the community’s help by crowdfunding to help cover any medical bills, funeral expenses, and financial hits the business may take. A GoFundMe campaign was started over the weekend by Tanvi Bhandary — Kris’ girlfriend — with the approval of Chellani’s siblings. As of Monday afternoon, the effort has raised more than $62,000 so far.
“We are humbly reaching out to you, our friends, neighbors to ask for you help,” wrote Classic Carolina on its social media. “Every contribution, no matter how small, will go towards easing the financial stress on the Chellani family and ensuring that they have the support they need as they navigate this unimaginable journey of loss and healing.”
Classic Carolina will remained closed indefinitely in wake of the family’s tragedy, according to Saturday’s social media posts.
Photo via Classic Carolina.
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