Cleveland County Paramedic Ashley Moore Killed in Line-of-Duty Ambulance Crash; Driver Faces Second-Degree Murder Charge

 The loss of a first responder is always felt far beyond the scene of an emergency, but the death of Cleveland County paramedic Ashley Moore has left an especially deep wound across North Carolina. For nearly a decade, Moore dedicated her career to helping strangers during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. On what should have been a day of celebration—her 37th birthday—her own life was tragically cut short while she was doing the work she loved, leaving coworkers, friends, and the community mourning an extraordinary public servant.

According to investigators, the collision occurred Monday on U.S. Highway 74 near Interstate 85 in Gaston County. Authorities said a Cleveland County EMS ambulance transporting a patient was attempting to make a U-turn when it was struck from behind by another vehicle. The powerful impact caused the ambulance to overturn, creating a devastating scene that immediately brought additional emergency crews rushing to help. Despite those efforts, Ashley Moore suffered fatal injuries while serving in the line of duty.

Following an extensive investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol announced the arrest of Jared ONeil Logan. Authorities said Logan has been charged with second-degree murder, Driving While Impaired, reckless driving, and failure to wear a seat belt. He is currently being held in the Gaston County Jail without bond as the criminal case moves forward. As with any criminal matter, the charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system.

Ashley Moore was more than an experienced paramedic. She also served as a Field Training Officer with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services, helping prepare and mentor the next generation of emergency responders. County officials said she spent nine years serving residents with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Colleagues remembered her as someone who remained calm under pressure, treated every patient with dignity, and willingly shared her knowledge with others entering the profession.

The heartbreaking timing of the tragedy has made the loss even more difficult for those who knew her. County leaders confirmed that the fatal crash occurred on Moore's birthday, transforming what should have been a joyful milestone into a day of unimaginable grief. While officials have not released information about the conditions of the patient being transported or other individuals involved, they continue working to determine every detail surrounding the collision as part of the ongoing investigation.

Cleveland County leaders have spoken publicly about the profound impact Moore had on the EMS department and the community she faithfully served. EMS Director Thomas McNeilly described the department as devastated by the loss of one of its own, while County Manager David B. Cotton emphasized that supporting Moore's family, fellow first responders, and EMS personnel remains the county's highest priority during this difficult time. Plans for memorial services are expected to be shared when the family is ready.

Incidents involving ambulances highlight the unique risks faced by emergency medical professionals every day. Even while transporting patients and responding to urgent situations, EMS crews rely on surrounding drivers to remain alert and operate their vehicles responsibly. Investigators continue reviewing evidence from the crash, including roadway conditions, vehicle movements, and other factors, to establish a complete understanding of what occurred before the fatal collision.

Ashley Moore's legacy will not be measured solely by the years she spent in uniform but by the countless lives she touched through her compassion, skill, and commitment to serving others. Every emergency call she answered represented someone else's worst day, and she repeatedly chose to stand beside people when they needed help most. As her family, coworkers, and the Cleveland County community mourn this tremendous loss, many will remember her not only as a dedicated paramedic but as a mentor, teammate, and caring professional whose service made a lasting difference.