Kania Family “Devastated” After Crash

The family of the UNC student who has been charged in the fatal collision from last weekend has issued their first statement since the accident.

Raleigh Attorney Roger Smith Junior is representing Chandler Kania, who is currently facing five charges following a collision where a 2005 Jeep Wrangler crashed into a Suzuki head-on while traveling the wrong direction down I-85 early Sunday morning near Hillsborough, according to the Highway Patrol.

Smith issued the following statement to WCHL on behalf of the Kania family:

“The Kania family is absolutely devastated about this tragedy. Their hearts, prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. Chandler is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so.”

Law enforcement officials say Kania, the Asheboro native, was driving north in the southbound lanes of I-85 near Hillsborough at the time of the collision.

49-year-old Felicia Harris, of Charlotte, was driving the other vehicle involved. She and two other passengers – 46-year-old Darlene McGee, of Charlotte, and six-year-old Jahnice Baird, of Brooklyn, New York – were killed in the wreck.

Nine-year-old Jahnia King was also in the backseat of Harris’ vehicle and is still being treated at UNC Hospital. WRAL is reporting she was listed in good condition as of Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Kania, who is a student at UNC, has been charged with Driving While Impaired, Careless and Reckless Driving, Possession of an Open Container of an Alcoholic Beverage in the Passenger Area of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Alcohol by a Person Under 21 years of Age, and Driving by a Person less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol.

Addition felony charges are expected once Kania is released from UNC Hospital where he is currently being treated.

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