Cleveland County mourns the loss of paramedic/field training officer killed in accident

By Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent and staff reports | Cleveland County Government

A tragic accident on Highway 74 on Monday morning claimed the life of a Cleveland County EMS paramedic, who also served as a field training officer.

According to reports, the accident happened sometime around 8 a.m. this morning, in Gaston County, near the Gaston-Cleveland County line. Paramedic / Field Training Officer Ashley Moore, 37, was killed in the accident.

Cleveland County government released a statement around 1:30 p.m., Monday, expressing their grief and providing what updates they could.

“It is with sincere regret and heavy hearts that Cleveland County announces the Line of Duty death of Ms. Ashley Moore, Paramedic/Field Training Officer who was killed in the Line of Duty as the result of a traffic collision in Gaston County, North Carolina on Monday, July 6th, 2026.”

The statement continued, “Ms. Ashley Moore, Paramedic/Field Training Officer served with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for nine (9) years. She exemplified the highest standards of the EMS profession and dedication to our community.”

“Our entire Cleveland County team is grieving the loss of one of our own," said Emergency Medical Services Director Thomas McNeilly.

David Cotton also spoke on the tragedy in the official statement.

(EMS accident continued below...)

"Our immediate priority is supporting Ashley’s family and our first responders during this tragedy,” said Cotton. “We ask the public to keep their families and our EMS staff in their prayers.”

The statement concluded by noting, “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further information or details will be released at this time. An official update regarding memorial services will be provided in the coming days.”

Read the full statement here:

Gaston County EMS posted on social media their support and their grief, adding, “…On behalf of everyone at Gaston County WMS, we extend our deepest condolences to the provider’s family, friends, coworkers and those whose lives were touched through their service…. And today we stand alongside Cleveland County EMS in grief and support.”

Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue posted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with our EMS family. Please keep Cleveland County EMS and all of its members in your thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We stand with you during this difficult time.”

Cleveland County Republican front-runner for county commissioner, Wayne King, expressed his condolences and grief for Moore’s family and friends and coworkers.

“Today, my family joins the Cleveland County EMS family and the entire Cleveland County community in mourning the heartbreaking line-of-duty loss of Paramedic Ashley Moore. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Paramedic Moore’s family, friends, and the entire Cleveland County EMS team during this time of profound grief. We pray for strength, comfort, and peace for all who knew and loved her.”

King continued, “As Scripture reminds us, ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,’ Matthew 5:4. May Paramedic Moore’s life of service and sacrifice never be forgotten, and may God’s presence bring hope and comfort in the days ahead.”

Waco also posted a show of support, as did many more did, too, adding, “The Waco Community Volunteer Fire Department holds all of Cleveland County EMS in our thoughts and prayers!”

NC Highway Patrol has arrested and charged Jared ONeil Logan with allegedly Driving While Impaired, Reckless Driving, failure to wear seatbelt, and second degree murder.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. This included a press release from Cleveland county government.

The Shelby Independent.