Cleveland, OH
Ukrainian Lyft driver killed in Cleveland remembered as hardworking, loving, and nonconfrontational
PARMA, Ohio (WOIO) – At 27 years old, Vasyl Shvets escaped the deadly war in Ukraine and came to Northeast Ohio for a better life, only to be gunned down as he was trying to make an honest living.
There is still no arrest in Shvets’ murder. He is the second Lyft driver killed this week in Cleveland.
As his loved ones prepare for his memorial service on Saturday at St. Andrew Ukrainian Church, they remember a young man full of life, love, and who worked tirelessly to help his family.
Reverend Dmytro Kasiyan of Florida tells 19 News that Shvets was not only a dear friend, but family.
“I know that he loved his fiancée very much. He wanted to start a family. He was great with kids,” Reverend Kasiyan said.
Second Lyft driver killed in 36 hours
Shvets was working as a late-night Lyft driver on Tuesday when he was shot and killed in his car, which then crashed into a dumpster on East 84th Street in Cleveland. He was the second of two Lyft drivers killed in a 36-hour period in Cleveland.
“He escaped for a better life here — all his family is in Ukraine. So, he began his new life here working very hard to pursue the dream. Coming here because this is the country of freedom and peace, but unfortunately, he was killed here,” Kasiyan said.
The Ukrainian native’s dreams of working for a better life died with him; his fiancée, as well as other family and friends, are devastated trying to find out what happened.
“Whether it was a drive-by or if he was getting robbed, Vasyl would have given everything. Nothing is worth your life,” Kasiyan told 19 News.
Family seeks answers
“It’s very frustrating because his fiance and family in general want answers. They haven’t heard anything from the police. They haven’t heard anything from Lyft,” Kasiyan said.
After arriving in the U.S. in 2023, Shvets focused on living the American dream, sending nearly every penny he made back to his mother, father, and sister in Ukraine — a family that never had a chance to say goodbye.
“We just want to see justice served,” Kasiyan said.
A memorial service for Shvets will be held at St. Andrew Church in Parma on Saturday. His body will be shipped back to western Ukraine to his family.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Larry Ray Duffield Obituary May 17, 2026 – Slone and Co. Funeral Directors
Larry Ray Duffield, age 51, passed away on May 17, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio, to his loving parents, James E. and Patty M. Carr. Beloved father of Emily, Victoria, Lauren Rae, and Olivia. Cherished grandfather of Kate, Boston, Frankie Jr., Addison, John, Oliver, Dean, Ezra, Elias, Lovely, Revel III, and Andrew. Dear brother of Keith (Crystal) and Sabrina. Treasured uncle of Brittany, Cameron, Courtney, Jerry, Kyle, Brooke, Jann Jr., Jalani, and Leilani.
Ray was an ASC certified mechanic with a degree in HVAC Heating and Cooling. Gifted with his hands and able to fix just about anything, he was also an excellent painter and proudly lived up to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He enjoyed helping others whenever he could and was known for his hardworking nature, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh.
Above all else, Ray’s greatest love in life was his family. He loved them deeply, irrevocably, and unconditionally, and treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His presence, love, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Funeral Directors 13115 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Riverside Cemetery 3607 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 1:45 p.m.).
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Hopkins finishes Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has officially finished their Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project.
According to a press release from the airport, the project doubles the number of security screening lines and the size of the guest queueing space. They also said it streamlines the CLEAR screening area.
“The Central Checkpoint expansion helps improve the guest experience and reduce congestion at the ticketing level while supporting current passenger needs ahead of future headhouse renovations under CLEvolution, the airport’s long-term vision for modernization, with the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) serving as its cornerstone,” the release reads.
The airport is also reminding travelers that the airports near the central checkpoint were recently remodeled, opening in November of last year. The price tag for the checkpoint expansion project was $4.8 million, and the restrooms were $1.3 million.
“These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the existing terminal while enhancing accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience as we move forward with CLEvolution and the Terminal Modernization Development Program,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control. “Reconfiguring and expanding the Central Checkpoint allows us to better accommodate passenger demand today while preparing the airport for future growth.”
Cleveland, OH
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera Obituary May 17, 2026 – Slone and Co. Funeral Directors
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera, age 76, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1949, in Comerio, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, the late Ramon Rodriguez and Carmen Rivera.
Beloved mother of Juan Alberto Alejandro, Juan Antonio Alejandro, and Jose Ramon Rivera. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Dear sister, treasured aunt, and loving mother-in-law.
Ramona loved to cook and sing Christian music, bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 11:30 a.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
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