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A Durham resident died nearly five months before his wedding day. Now his grieving family is battling with a local venue for more than an $18,000 deposit.


Durham venue keeps $18K deposit after groom's sudden death

AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE, TV AND WRAL APP ON YOUR TV OR STREAMING DEVICE. TONIGHT, DEATH BEFORE I DO. >> AFTER THE SUDDEN DEATH OF A GROOM. HIS DEVASTATED FAMILY IS NOW BATTLING A DURHAM WEDDING VENUE TO GET BACK MORE THAN $18,000 IN DEPOSITS. >> THEY'RE PROFITING OFF THE DEATH OF MY SON. MY SON. >> LOOKING FOR HELP. THE GROOM'S PARENTS CALLED 5 ON YOUR SIDE'S KEELY. ARTHUR, WHO GOT TO WORK PRESSING FOR AN EXPLANATION. IT'S A STORY THAT'S ONLY ON WRAL. >> I JUST WAS A YOUNG COUPLE FULL OF LIFE AND FULL OF PLANS. THEY WERE ON VACATION IN ITALY WHEN HE PROPOSED BACK HOME. KRIS PERRY AND CHRIS, SINCE I'LL BOOK THE COTTON ROOM IN DURHAM. >> FOR AN OCTOBER 2025 WEDDING AND THEY CALL THIS THE SOON AS IT WAS OVER. AND AND WE'RE JUST SO SO EXCITED THAT THIS PAST MAY. >> EVERYTHING CHANGED. WE ARE HERE TO MEMORIALIZE ATTRIBUTE A LIFE. >> WILLIAM PERRY JUST ONE DAY BEFORE HIS 33RD BIRTHDAY AND 5 MONTHS BEFORE WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE HAPPIEST DAY OF THEIR LIVES. >> CHRIS COLLAPSED AND DIED. KRISTEN FOUND HIM HOURS LATER TOO DEVASTATED TO SPEAK. CHRIS'S PARENTS ARE SHARING THEIR LOVE STORY. HE ADORED HE FOUND >> THE PERSON TO COMPLETE IS THAT. IT IS A TRUE TO LIFE. >> OF COURSE, NOW THE WEDDING WON'T HAPPEN. BUT BILLS REMAIN BY THE TIME CHRIS DIED. KRISTEN? KRISTEN, AND GIVEN THE COTTON ROOM SITUATED BEHIND ME MORE THAN $18,000 IN FOOD DRINK AND RENTAL FEES. I REVIEWED THE CONTRACT AND IT SAID THAT MONEY WAS NON-REFUNDABLE AWARE OF THE SITUATION. THE COTTON ROOM OFFERED A PARTIAL REFUND IF ANOTHER COUPLE REBOOKED. BUT SAID IT WOULD HOLD ON TO THE $7500 VENUE DEPOSIT, NO MATTER WHAT CITING THE FACT THAT IT HELD THE SPACE FOR NEARLY A YEAR. ALL OF THAT WAS MOVED, THOUGH. IT WAS NEVER REBOOKED. THE COTTON ROOM GAVE CONDOLENCES BUT NOT A DOLLAR. BACK OF WHAT CHRIS AND KRISTEN HAD SPENT. WE CAN'T >> FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY COULD HAVE SPENT THE MONEY ON WHERE THE MONEY WOULD HAVE GONE. BUT THEY HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING AND THEY HAVEN'T EARNED THIS MONEY YET. SO I ASKED THE CON ROOM THAT VERY QUESTION. >> HOW IS THE MONEY BEING USED? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHELE ALDRIDGE EXPLAINED THOSE FUNDS ARE TIED TO THE COMMITMENT OF THE SPACE PEOPLE AND RESOURCES LEADING UP TO THE DAY FROM THE WEDDING INDUSTRY SIDE. A LOT OF US ARE STAYING AFLOAT. RETAINERS THE RIGHT NOW, RALEIGH BASED WEDDING PLANNER, HAYNES JONES, WHO HE'S NOT AFFILIATED WITH CHRIS'S FAMILY OR THE VENUE. SO THE INDUSTRY IS FACING THE SLUMP AFTER A POST-PANDEMIC BOOM. I SEE BOTH SIDES AND >> AT THE END OF THE DAY, I DO THINK THE FAMILY AT LEAST DESERVED A PARTIAL REFUND. FOR NOW, THOUGH, THIS IS ONE DISPUTE 5 ON YOUR SIDE HAS YET TO RESOLVE. >> DESPITE E-MAILS AND THE ZOOM CALL ALDRICH AND THE CON ROOM HAVE STUCK TO THEIR DECISION. NO PARENT SHOULD EVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE. >> THE LOSS OF A CHILD AND HAVING SITUATIONS THEY COULD WHAT THEY'VE DONE AND WHAT WE'RE DOING JUST KIND OF KEEPS THE MOON OPEN. >> THIS IS SUCH A TOUGH ONE. NOW THE CON ROOM SAID IT WOULD NOT REQUIRE IN THE FAMILY PAY THE REMAINING 50% BALANCE OF THIS CONTRACT, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN DUE IN JUST A FEW WEEKS LEADING UP TO THE WEDDING REALLY IS SUCH A SAD SITUATION. IS THERE ANYTHING THE FAMILY COULD HAVE DONE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES? I DON'T KNOW IF A LOT OF PEOPLE REALIZE THIS, BUT YOU CAN GET SOMETHING CALLED EVENT INSURANCE. WE KNOW WEDDINGS COST ALMOST AS MUCH AS A CAR OR, YOU KNOW, IT'S A HUGE PURCHASE. SO COMING UP TOMORROW ON WRAL NEWS, I'M GONNA BREAK DOWN WHAT THAT EVENT INSURANCE COVERS AND HOW

Wedding venue refuses refund after groom's death

5OYS groom death before wedding

Trump promotes unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without new evidence

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Teens attacked mental health facility staff during Sunday's escape in Raleigh, CEO says

Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh

Summer heat, heightened storm chances to follow first day of fall

Fall officially begins Monday at 2:19 p.m.

Man recovered from Wake County pond after hours-long search, sheriff's office says

Search for a man at a home on Hodge Road in Wake County near Wendell

Durham subdivision runoff lawsuit ends in settlement

Lick Creek

Helene victim will always remember storm - why she feels forgotten by lawmakers

Helene damage

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NEW YORK (AP) â ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmelâs late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, officials with the network said Monday.

ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and his show will return Tuesday

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Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit the Charlotte area this week with the city at the center of a renewed debate about public safety.

JD Vance to speak in Concord about safety, crime policies in light of Charlotte stabbing

Trump Administration Wields Its Full Toolbox to Bring Media to Heel

The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to Nov. 30. The most active time is late August into October, but it's possible to see a hurricane make landfall any time of the year.

Hurricane season 2025: Gabrielle strengthens to a Cat. 4 hurricane, tracking two other areas in the tropics

Hurricane Gabrielle path as of 5 a.m., Monday Sept. 22

Changes to bail policies, rules for magistrates and the death penalty are among the proposals North Carolina legislators are considering after the Charlotte stabbing of Iryna Zarutska.

Stricter new criminal laws advancing quickly in NC legislature, in response to Charlotte stabbing

CATS surveillance video shows moments before Charlotte light rail attack

The league, like the SEC, currently plays eight conference games. But the SEC is moving to nine games next season, joining the Big 12 and Big Ten, and the ACC is following suit.


ACC moves to play 9 conference football games each year

Teddy Hoffman

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, unable to reach a state budget deal, are attempting to pass smaller and more targeted spending plans.

NC Senators push 'mini budget' spending plans, but deals appear elusive

State budget

Detention officer Brian Edwards was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 20, when the department learned of "concerning social media posts" allegedly made by Edwards. The department did not say what the posts contained or referenced. 



Orange Co. officer fired after 'concerning' social media posts

Orange Co. Sheriff's Detention Officer Brian Edwards

Former Appalachian State football coach Shawn Clark died on Sunday. He was 50 years old and coached the Mountaineers from 2020 to 2024.

Former Appalachian State football coach Shawn Clark dies at 50

Shawn Clark

Cary police are investigating a deadly pedestrian crash on SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road. The driver stayed at the scene to speak with officers, police said.
 

Person killed in Cary crash on SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road

Cary crash blocks SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road

A new North Carolina bill aims to disqualify Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid contractor and, separately, require medical providers share more information about the cost of services.

NC Senate moves to end Medicaid's work with Planned Parenthood, boost medical bill transparency

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Free money from Zelle or Cash App--just for filling out a government form? That's what some TikTok videos claim.


5 On Your Side: Don't fall for this scam handing out free money from Zelle or Cash App

Photo by Andres Perez on Unsplash

Fall festival season is here, and western North Carolina is more than ready to welcome visitors one year after Hurricane Helene devastated dozens of communities.


Western NC fall festivals make a vibrant comeback one year post-Hurricane Helene devastation

Haywood Music Trails Smoky Mountain Bluegrass

Drugstores are ready to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall and insurers plan to pay for them, even though the shots no longer come recommended by an important government committee.

How to get a COVID-19 shot and ensure it's covered by your insurance

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Whether your dog is social or enjoys more independence, the Triangle has some of the best dog parks have something for everyone. 

Unleash the fun: Top dog parks in the Triangle for your four-legged friends

Dogs greet each other at the entrance of Carolina Pines Dog Park

A single AI data center could use as much water as a small town, raising questions in North Carolina about growth, climate resilience and resource planning.

AI data centers would need millions of gallons of North Carolina's water supply a day

Water faucet stock photo

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard details the fall events and new openings you will want to try, including Lawrence Barbecue coming to Cary.


Foodie News: New brisket, oysters, brunch options coming this fall to the Triangle

They Bet Their Future on Barbecue Dreams. Many Lost Everything.

Don't Miss It

WRAL's Brian Murphy spoke with former North Carolina and NFL quarterback Bryn Renner to discuss the Tar Heels' 34-9 loss against UCF. Murphy and Renner discussed quarterback Gio Lopez's injury and whether Max Johnson should remain the team's starting quarterback.

Former UNC QB Bryn Renner after Tar Heels' loss vs. UCF: There are 'major concerns'

WRAL's Brian Murphy spoke with former North Carolina and NFL quarterback Bryn Renner to discuss the Tar Heels' 34-9 loss against UCF. 

Don't ignore these perimenopause symptoms

Trump to make announcement involving autism and Tylenol

Ask the Meteorologist: Why isn't daylight exactly equal on the equinox here?

Equal daylight on the equilux - Friday, September 26, 2025

Steel startup considers NC for major factory as Nucor snaps up land

NC Flag

California could soon ban forever chemicals in consumer products

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5 injured in Alamance County shooting

Local News

Holliday: Duke saves season with rally against NC State

Kara Lawson is named head coach of the US women's basketball team for the 2028 LA Olympics

16-year-old passenger killed in Apex crash on US 64, teenage driver charged, police say

Trump previews 'amazing' autism announcement Monday that's expected to focus on pain reliever, vitamin deficiency

Nation/World

Super typhoon blowing by northern Philippines and Taiwan forces evacuations and closures

Russia and Ukraine trade deadly drone strikes as Zelenskyy anticipates intense diplomacy at UN

Residents of San Francisco Bay Area jolted awake by 4.3 magnitude earthquake

Trump officials praise Charlie Kirk's faith and his mark on the conservative movement

'Free of fear:' Raleigh Hispanic festival hopes to unite community amid deportation fears

La Fiesta del Pueblo lights up downtown Raleigh

Weekend best bets: 919 Day, CenterFest, Bounce America

Big Bounce America file photo

Roach races and buggy dishes: BugFest is coming up this weekend

Krill are the featured bug this year at BugFest 2025

CenterFest to bring family fun to downtown Durham

CenterFest 2025

Seaboard Station social district gets preliminary approval from city leaders

Raleigh leaders are considering expanding the Sip n' Stroll program to the Village District.

Out & About

Fact-check: Is Charlie Kirk's shooting suspect a registered Republican who donated to Trump?

Politifact

Fact check: Trump says gas and grocery prices are down

Fact check: Does new North Carolina law allow doctors to practice without completing U.S. exams?

Fact check: Whatley says 'Cooper bears direct responsibility' for Charlotte stabbing

PolitiFact: Charlie Kirk's assassination highlights the rise in US political violence

Wide-ranging crime bill proposes 'Iryna's law'

NC Capitol

NC lawmakers plan stricter new criminal laws for bail, death penalty

Lenovo Center could benefit from arena funding bill

NC Senate approves $35 million for infrastructure related to Lenovo Center development

State lawmakers return to Raleigh focused on crime, health care spending and more

Teacher vacancies down in 2025 compared to last year, data shows

Education

NC teacher vacancies and number of teachers are down, new data shows

Hillside High School lifts lockdown after Durham police investigate nearby

UNC System schools consider tuition increases

Pembroke Elementary first-grade student found with handgun

'I want to see them prosecuted': Where do criminal investigations into CJF America stand?

WRAL In Depth

Wake teachers using AI in the classroom set tone for safe, smart learning

Duke AI program emphasizes critical thinking for job security

Public employees' comments on Charlie Kirk killing largely protected by law, analysts say

After Charlotte stabbing, a political push for death penalty in NC

Bruce Pearl, winningest basketball coach in Auburn history, announces retirement

WRALSportsFan

Lea: A 30-0 win for the Carolina Panthers, this is what it's supposed to look like

49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL, AP source says

AP Top 25: No. 12 Texas Tech's Joey McGuire says his team's ascent is fueled by love, not money

Panthers dominate Falcons 30-0 for first win of the season

NC Football Top 25: Garner, Freedom, & East Lincoln join the statewide ranking

HighSchoolOT

HighSchoolOT's 2025 area code Top 15 rankings for football

Top 25: Western Alamance now No. 1 in HighSchoolOT boys soccer statewide rankings

HighSchoolOT's 2025 area code Top 15 rankings for boys soccer

HSOT Press Box: Millbrook vs. Rolesville Preview, 704 Boys Soccer, Volleyball Contenders

One year after Hurricane Helene, a new WRAL Documentary looks at the storm's devastating toll and the resilience of the people who survived it. "Helene: What We Lost, What We Found" airs Thursday, Sept. 25 on WRAL-TV and streams on WRAL.com, the WRAL News app and WRAL's YouTube channel.

One year since Helene: WRAL Documentary shares stories of hope and survival 

"Helene: What We Lost, What We Found"

A lawsuit filed by seven former employees against CJF America remains unserved, while the company's president recently missed a court appearance. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the Durham-based company.

Where do criminal investigations into CJF America stand?

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about the state economy as Republicans in Washington slash health spending and Republicans in Raleigh show no immediate interest in replacing the funding.

Roy Cooper hosts roundtable on health care

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about impending health care cuts and their effect on the state economy, as Republicans in Washington slash health spending and Republicans in Raleigh show no immediate interest in replacing the funding.

2026 Senate race: Roy Cooper criticizes 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' health care costs in Raleigh speech

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is considered the Democratic front-runner in the race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate speech. He's expected to take on Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 general election.

Cooper, seeking NC's open U.S. Senate seat, tackles health care cuts in Raleigh speech

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty explained why ABC decided to take Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off the air indefinitely after his recent comments about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer.

In Depth with Dan: Why Jimmy Kimmel's show was pulled off the air

Disney's ABC is taking Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off the air indefinitely after his recent comments about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer.

WRAL Specialists

Don't Waste Your Money: What's next for mortgage rates?

Restaurant Ratings: Anthony's La Piazza, IHOP and China Wok

5 On Your Side helps viewers get broken utility boxes repaired

5 On Your Side exposes problems getting potentially hazardous utility boxes fixed

5 On Your Side

President of NC nonprofit accused of not paying workers skips court

President of company accused of not paying employees misses court date

UNC researchers finds endangered shark at local stores

UNC researchers say some shark and other seafood sold in stores may not be what you think it is

Investigations

The New AirPods Can Translate Languages in Your Ears. This Is Profound.

A robot programmed to act like a 7-year-old girl works to combat fear and loneliness in hospitals

Nvidia to Buy $5 Billion Stake in Intel, Giving Rival a Lifeline

Donald Thompson: Insights on leadership from an expert on building trust

WRAL TechWire

Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says

Trump signs proclamation adding $100K annual fee for H-1B visa applications

US Steel changes course and will keep processing raw steel at Granite City plant in Illinois

Trump administration moves to revoke permit for Massachusetts offshore wind project

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