Ashley Moore Obituary, Death: Cleveland County Mourns Line-of-Duty Loss of Paramedic and Field Training Officer

The Cleveland County community is mourning the heartbreaking line-of-duty death of Ashley Moore, a dedicated paramedic and Field Training Officer with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), who was killed in a traffic collision while serving her community. Her passing has left fellow first responders, local officials, friends, and family grieving the loss of a respected public servant whose commitment to emergency medical care touched countless lives.

According to Cleveland County officials, Moore died on Monday, July 6, 2026, following a crash involving an ambulance in Gaston County, North Carolina. She had served with Cleveland County EMS for nine years, earning the respect of colleagues through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient care.

A devoted public servant

Ashley Moore was recognized not only as a skilled paramedic but also as a Field Training Officer responsible for mentoring and preparing the next generation of emergency medical professionals. County officials described her as someone who exemplified the highest standards of the EMS profession and consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving the community.

As a mentor, Moore helped train newly hired paramedics and EMTs, sharing her experience and commitment to quality patient care. Her influence extended well beyond emergency calls, shaping the careers of many first responders who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Fatal line-of-duty crash

Investigators said Moore was treating a patient in the rear of a Cleveland County ambulance when it was struck from behind by another vehicle on U.S. Highway 74 near Interstate 85 in Gaston County. The impact caused the ambulance to overturn, and Moore sustained fatal injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. The ambulance driver and the patient were reported to have escaped with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have reported that the driver of the other vehicle was taken into custody and faces multiple charges in connection with the collision as the investigation continues.

Community and first responders pay tribute

Following the tragic news, tributes poured in from emergency service agencies across North Carolina. Cleveland County officials expressed profound sorrow over the loss of one of their own.

EMS Director Thomas McNeilly said the entire Cleveland County team is grieving Moore’s death, while County Manager David Cotton stated that the county’s immediate priority is supporting her family and fellow first responders during this difficult time. Officials have asked the public to keep Moore’s loved ones and EMS personnel in their thoughts and prayers.

Neighboring EMS agencies, fire departments, and community organizations have also shared messages of support, recognizing Moore’s years of dedicated service and the tremendous impact she made throughout her career.

Remembering Ashley Moore’s legacy

For nearly a decade, Ashley Moore answered emergency calls with professionalism, compassion, and courage. Whether responding to critical medical emergencies, mentoring new personnel, or supporting her colleagues, she demonstrated the qualities that define outstanding emergency medical service.

Those who knew Moore remember her as a compassionate caregiver, dependable teammate, and respected leader whose commitment to helping others never wavered.

Her passing serves as a painful reminder of the dangers first responders face every day while protecting and caring for their communities.

Funeral arrangements

At this time, Cleveland County officials have not released funeral or memorial service details. The county has indicated that additional information regarding memorial arrangements will be announced after consultation with Moore’s family.

Friends, colleagues, and members of the public continue to offer condolences while respecting the family’s privacy during this time of profound loss.

A community united in grief

Ashley Moore’s death has deeply affected Cleveland County and the wider emergency services community. Her years of service, dedication to patient care, and commitment to mentoring future paramedics have left a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

As her family, friends, coworkers, and the community mourn her loss, they also celebrate a life devoted to serving others. Her memory will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps and remind the community of the extraordinary sacrifices made by first responders every day.