Family, friends hold vigil for Classic Carolina owner and his son

Family, friends and Chapel Hill residents came together Saturday night to honor Kris Chellani and his father, Dhruva Chellani.

Kris and Dhruva Chellani were killed in a head-on collision in early September. Kris’ mother, Nina, was also injured in the crash and remains in the hospital.

The vigil took place just a few steps away from Classic Carolina, an apparel shop on Franklin Street run by Dhruva.

Family and friends of the two shared stories on how the two men impacted their lives.

“Kris would treat everyone he knew like a brother and Dhruva would treat everyone he knew like a member of the family,” Jacob Werden said.

Nearly a month after the accident, people said they were still having a difficult time processing what happened.

“It’s been several weeks and it still doesn’t feel real,” Elijah Moracco-Schelp said.

The store had been closed because of the pandemic and was just days away from reopening after renovations when the crash happened.

Kris, a viral Tik-Tok star, was pegged to take over the family business from his father. It is still unclear who will take over the family business as of Saturday.

“It’s heartbreaking for me and for all of us to not have them be able to see the opening and the success of the store,” Tanvi Bhandary said.

While many were sad, most were thankful for how bright the two men made their lives.

“I hope that they’re looking down on us and they can truly see how loved they are,” Bhandary said.

A funeral for the two men will be held on Sunday.