On the ordinary Wednesday of September 6, 2023, the doors of a cherished institution, the Classic Carolina shop on Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, were reopened by Kris Chellani, the shop’s owner. This establishment had a rich heritage initiated by his father, Dhruva Chellani, which Kris had been dutifully carrying forward. Classic Carolina had become renowned for its collection of clothing with UNC themes, encompassing shirts, coats, dresses, and accessories, along with an endearing assortment of novelty tees.
However, what should have been a day of celebration turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy as the community was left in shock by the untimely and unexpected death of Kris Chellani.
On that fateful Wednesday, Kris, accompanied by his mother Nina and father Dhruva, was returning from a local gathering when tragedy struck. A speeding vehicle veered into their lane, resulting in a devastating head-on collision that claimed the lives of Kris and his father Dhruva, leaving the community in mourning.
Kris Chellani’s life was tragically cut short in a harrowing car accident, and he was pronounced dead. Nina’s condition, after undergoing urgent surgery at a nearby hospital, has thankfully improved and is now stable.
In the wake of this devastating news, an outpouring of heartfelt condolences and tributes has flooded in from the community. Tanya Bhandary, among others, expressed her love and condolences for Kris on Facebook.
The passing of Kris Chellani and Dhruva Chellani has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew them. On that September 6th evening, as Kris, Nina, and Dhruva were returning from a neighborhood gathering, their lives were tragically cut short by the collision with the fast-moving vehicle.
Nina’s recovery offers a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow, as her health has stabilized following surgery at a nearby hospital.
Kris’s father, Dhruva Chellani, also lost his life in the tragic car accident. The community has rallied to offer their sincere condolences to Kris Chellani’s family during this difficult time.
Kris Chellani was not only the beloved owner of Classic Carolina but also a significant presence in social media. He had achieved remarkable success, establishing a six-figure content business in just two months and providing consultancy counsel and creative direction to prominent venture-backed businesses and real estate companies.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Kris was an avid runner who completed the NYC marathon in 2022. He had a passion for reading, with “The Defining Decade,” “Outliers,” and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” ranking among his favorite books.
Kris had a knack for forging lasting connections and cherished the opportunity to meet new people. His passing has left a community in mourning, but his legacy will endure through the store he loved, and those who knew him will continue to be inspired by his memory.
The outpouring of sympathy and support from the community underscores the deep impact Kris Chellani had on the lives of those around him, a testament to his enduring presence even in his absence.
