Cleveland, OH
Animals, staff safe after fire at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Firefighters battled a fire Wednesday afternoon at The RainForest at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The RainForest is currently closed for construction, and a zoo spokesperson said all animals and staff are safe.
According to firefighters, the 2-alarm fire damaged the exterior and roof of the exhibit.
Firefighters say workers were using a torch to cut metal on the building exterior, and vegetation ignited.
The RainForest closed on Sept. 9, 2024. It’s expected to reopen in 2026, housing gorillas and orangutans.
Cleveland firefighters say the fire was ruled accidental. No injuries were reported.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Rachelle M. Hale, age 45, passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on August 1, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio, to her loving parents, Richard and Cheryl Hobbs.
Beloved wife of John Kevin Hale, Jr. Devoted mother of John Kevin Hale, III, Jacob Hale, Zackary Hale, and Hannah Hale. Cherished grandmother of John Hale, IV, Alivia Hale, Zayden Hale, Avianna Atwood, Aunika Hale, Jonnalynn Hale, Layla Hale, Ja’Von Atwood, Jr., and Jacob Hale, Jr. Dear sister of Kelly Hobbs, Rickie Hobbs, Donald Hobbs, and Shane Hobbs. Treasured aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
Rachelle found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She will be remembered for the love she shared, the memories she created, and the unwavering devotion she had for those she held dear. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at West Park Cemetery 3942 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 11:15 a.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was found dead in the street early Monday, and three others were hospitalized after a shooting on Cleveland’s East Side early Monday morning.
According to a release from Cleveland Police, at around 3:18 a.m., officers in the Fourth District responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the area of East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue.
While en route to the initial location, two 17-year-old girls approached the officers and told them they had been shot while driving in the area of East 116th Street and Buckeye Road.
When officers arrived at East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue, they found two more victims with gunshot wounds, a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old man.
The 30-year-old man, identified as Sharon Darius Walker, was pronounced dead in the roadway on the scene.
The three other victims were taken to the hospital and are stable.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
-
Maine4 minutes agoA hard lesson for Democrats in Maine. Plus, we have some news about Ed Markey. – The Boston Globe
-
Maryland11 minutes agoGovernor Moore Announces Awardees for $1.23 Million Investment to Help Maryland Workers Thrive in a Changing Economy
-
Michigan14 minutes ago‘Big Brother’ season 28 to premiere this week. One guest from Michigan
-
Massachusetts14 minutes agoCool off this summer at these 10 splash pads in central Massachusetts
-
Minnesota26 minutes agoEF2 tornado injures two, damages homes near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
-
Mississippi29 minutes agoMississippi’s first Dutch Bros now open in Pearl
-
Missouri34 minutes agoUPDATE: Suspect wanted in Kansas captured near Columbia; Missouri State Highway Patrol aircraft plays key role | 93.9 The Eagle
-
Montana41 minutes agoButte gears up for Montana Folk Festival, which starts Friday
