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A Durham couple's tragic story has sparked outrage and a wave of negative reviews against a Durham  wedding venue, The Cotton Room, which refused to refund a nearly $18,400 deposit after the groom's sudden death. 

Durham wedding venue faces backlash for refusing to refund couple 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

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Review: Rocky Mount spent millions over budget, residents facing higher costs as result

Downtown Rocky Mount

Charges dropped against four NC Central protesters after rally against school's housing conditions

Gavel, court, justice, books

'Haven for predators': Two NC families sue Roblox & Discord, alleging sexual exploitation

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90s return: Unseasonably warm highs this week before storms, rain for weekend

Daily high temperature forecast through Saturday, Sept. 27

Crime bill passes NC legislature, would make changes to death penalty, bail and more

Handcuffs photo from: https://www.jobsforfelonshub.com/

NC native accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on golf course in 2024 found guilty on all counts

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A Pitt County man who suffers from epilepsy is suing a state trooper, alleging the officer used excessive force against him after a car crash caused by a seizure.

Pitt Co. man sues trooper: Claims he was punched in the face and dragged after seizure-induced crash

Police car, blue lights

North Carolina state treasurer Brad Briner warned that he's preparing for what happens if Duke Health and Aetna can't agree on a deal.

Duke Health-Aetna dispute at stalemate despite deadline approaching

Duke Health

In reflection of the one-year mark since Hurricane Helene brought unimaginable devastation to western North Carolina, the state is measuring progress made in the recovery effort as the region tries to return to normalcy.

Roads, running water, parks: Milestones in Helene recovery at 1-year mark

Hot Springs, North Carolina

Lawmakers have been at an impasse over a broader spending plan, so they passed a mini budget that funds disaster relief, economic development and infrastructure projects. The measure now goes to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration.

NC House approves funding for Chantal relief, Lenovo Center infrastructure, construction projects

Many houses and businesses near Hyco Lake in Person County flooded during Tropical Storm Chantal in July 2025.

A Fayetteville woman was bitten by a copperhead snake while walking with her son and dog along the Cape Fear River Trail.

Fayetteville mom bitten by copperhead on local trail, biologists warn of more snake activity

Melinda Hart took this photo of the copperhead snake that bit her on Monday.

A former provost at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill filed the lawsuit Monday against the university's Board of Trustees.

Lawsuit accuses UNC trustees of violating state's open record laws, including during Belichick hire

UNC coach Bill Belichick

The Raleigh Police Department is looking for the owner of a found sheep.


Do you know this sheep? Raleigh police asks for public help in finding owner

Found sheep by Raleigh Police

Blue Ridge Power said regulatory changes affecting renewable energy companies and shifts in the capital markets prompted its decision to wind down the business. 

Regulatory shifts cause North Carolina solar company to cut 500 jobs

Solar Panels

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 now a major hurricane; tracking two other areas in the tropics

Tropical update as of 5 p.m., Sept. 23, 2025

Kara Lawson will lead Team USA through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

A 'powerful group': Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches

On Tuesday, Duke's Kara Lawson was officially named head coach of the U.S. women's basketball team.

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

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

Bubble tea, or boba, has become a favorite, especially with young people. But new safety tests from Consumer Reports show the popular drink may come with a hidden serious concern.


5 On Your Side: Lead could be hiding in your bubble tea

generic stock bubble tea, drink, boba

Claudette Childs is a lifelong resident of Pensacola, a tiny community in Yancey County. After living through the destruction and loss of life from Hurricane Helene, Childs and others like her are feeling abandoned by the federal and state governments.

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

Helene damage

The Triangle offers some of the best local live experiences you can think of, and some of the best are free to attend.


Best places, ongoing series to find free live music in the Triangle

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(CNN) -- Spider-Man had a bit of an accident.

Tom Holland takes a break from filming latest 'Spider-Man' movie after suffering a concussion

Tom Holland

Explore the best fall and Halloween events in Raleigh, NC, from family-friendly pumpkin patches and corn mazes to thrilling haunted houses and Halloween festivities.


Pumpkin patches, fall and Halloween events in NC

Dog in a pumpkin patch 

Don't Miss It

The bill would ramp up sentencing for anyone convicted of any felonies committed based on political motivations, putting them in prison for longer. Supporters say it's meant to protect the First Amendment.

NC House to take up crime bill, including new execution methods

Pet of the Day for Sept. 23, 2025

Leaves are turning quicker for fall this year

Grandfather Mountain

Highlights: President Trump addresses global leaders at UN General Assembly

Trump delivers remarks to UN General Assembly

Durham police investigate shooting on Capps Street

Scene at Capps Street in Durham after fatal shooting

Typhoon Ragasa creates big waves in Hong Kong

Video Central

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Johnston County man faces child sexual exploitation charges

Local News

Carolina Ballet, Martin Marietta Center to offer free ballet classes for children

Body found in Wendell pond identified as 73-year-old man, sheriff's office says

Man dead from daytime shooting in Durham neighborhood

Hillsborough names Jason Winn as new police chief

Trump cancels White House meeting with Schumer and Jeffries despite risk of a government shutdown

Nation/World

Scientists discover a new dinosaur from Argentina with a crocodile bone in its mouth

As Western nations recognize Palestinian statehood, Palestinians doubt its impact

UN chief warns world leaders of 'an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering'

State inspectors align with Universal's findings that roller coaster was working right when man died

It is a busy final weekend of September with Pride in Durham, Benson Mule Days and the Raleigh Tamale Festival.


Weekend best bets: Pride Durham, Benson Mule Days and more

Benson Mule Days

Ludacris to perform before UNC-Clemson game in Chapel Hill

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Seaboard Station social district gets preliminary approval from city leaders

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

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

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

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

Medicaid cuts loom as North Carolina lawmakers spar over state funding plan

NC Capitol

Charlie Kirk's killing inspires NC bill targeting political violence

NC lawmakers propose pulling state funding for Planned Parenthood

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

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

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

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

WRAL In Depth

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

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

Oklahoma State fires football coach Mike Gundy after 20-plus years

WRALSportsFan

Cardinal Gibbons junior DE Griffin Cockerham commits to NC State

Jaxson Dart to start at quarterback for the Giants against the Chargers, AP sources say

ACC moves to play 9 conference football games each year

Week 3 NFL chaos: Blocked kicks, walk-off field goals, and a 336-pound hero

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Volleyball playoff projections for the 2025 postseason

Confirmed transfers impacting the 2025 North Carolina high school basketball season

Boys Soccer playoff projections for the 2025 postseason

Girls Tennis playoff projections for the 2025 postseason

Seven teens who escaped from a mental health facility in Raleigh are back in custody after allegedly attacking a staff member for keys.

7 teens found after they escaped from Raleigh mental health facility

The seven teens who escaped Sunday night from a metal health facility in Raleigh are accused of attacking a staff member to get keys and kicked their way through a door to get out, according to the facility's CEO.

7 teens found after they escaped from Holly Hill Children's Hospital

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

WRAL Specialists

Consumer Reports investigation finds lead in boba tea

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

Influencers make incorrect claims about free money from payment platforms

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

Trump's $100K H-1B visa fee hikes could hit Triangle tech businesses hard

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

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

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

Family

BugFest bites: Elizabeth Gardner tries some cricket cuisine

A parent's guide to puberty

5 steps for better health in your 40s and 50s

When flowers spring from weeds: Magic in my yard

New Swagbucks Swag Code valid from 5-7 pm ET on Sept. 23 

SmartShopper

Top Amazon Deals: The Children's Place Chino Pants only $8.98 (70% off), Shark Cordless VACMOP only $59.99, Prime Day event Oct. 7-8

Target Deals: Up to 64% off Halloween plus Target Circle Week Oct. 5-11

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