CLEVELAND, Ohio — Community Grieves the Loss of 27-Year-Old Anthony Michael Workman After Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash
CLEVELAND, Ohio — With heavy hearts and immense sorrow, the Cleveland community is mourning the tragic loss of 27-year-old Anthony Michael Workman, who was killed Monday night in what police are calling a fatal hit-and-run crash. The sudden and senseless tragedy has left his family, friends, and neighbors in shock as investigators continue searching for the driver responsible.
According to the Cleveland Division of Police, the incident occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Lorain Avenue and West 117th Street, an area known for heavy nighttime traffic. Officers responding to multiple 911 calls arrived to find Workman lying unresponsive on the roadway. Despite emergency medical efforts at the scene and his immediate transport to MetroHealth Medical Center, Workman was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Witnesses told investigators that a dark-colored SUV was seen speeding away from the scene moments after the collision. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is now being reviewed as police work to identify the vehicle and the driver. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could help bring justice to Workman’s grieving family.
“This was someone’s son, someone’s friend, someone’s entire world,” said Detective Laura Simmons with the Cleveland Traffic Investigations Unit. “We will not stop until the person responsible is found and held accountable.”
For those who knew Anthony Michael Workman, the loss feels unbearable. Friends describe him as “genuine, hardworking, and full of life.” He was known for his humor, kindness, and the way he always found time to help others — whether it was fixing a neighbor’s car, checking in on a friend, or cheering up a loved one on a difficult day.
“Anthony had this way of making everyone feel like family,” said lifelong friend Brandon Ellis. “He was the kind of person you could count on — the kind of guy you never thought you’d have to say goodbye to so soon.”
Family members gathered Tuesday evening at the site of the crash, creating a small memorial with candles, flowers, and photos of Workman smiling beside his friends and family. The flickering lights reflected both grief and love — a symbol of the brightness he brought into so many lives.
Workman’s mother, holding back tears, shared that her son was on his way home from work when the tragedy occurred.
“He was just trying to get home safely,” she said. “Whoever did this — please, please do the right thing. Turn yourself in. Don’t let another mother go through this pain.”
The Cleveland Police Department has increased patrols in the area and is appealing to local residents and business owners to check any surveillance cameras for footage between 10 and 11 p.m. Monday night. They are particularly looking for a dark SUV with front-end damage.
Mayor Justin Bibb released a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing condolences to the Workman family and reiterating the city’s commitment to improving pedestrian and traffic safety.
“Our hearts are with the Workman family and all those grieving this heartbreaking loss,” the statement read. “We urge anyone with information about this hit-and-run to come forward. Justice must be served.”
A GoFundMe page has been established by friends to help the family with funeral expenses and to support a memorial in Anthony’s honor. Organizers say any funds left over will be donated to a local road safety initiative.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief — but also in purpose. The loss of Anthony Michael Workman serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of reckless driving and the lasting pain caused when accountability is abandoned.
“Anthony’s life mattered,” said his cousin, Jessica Workman. “We just want whoever did this to know — running away doesn’t erase what happened. We need answers, and we need justice.”
A candlelight vigil will be held this Friday at Edgewater Park beginning at 7 p.m., where friends, family, and community members are expected to gather to celebrate Workman’s life and call for an end to hit-and-run tragedies.
For now, Cleveland mourns together — a city heartbroken but determined to keep Anthony’s memory alive through love, remembrance, and the pursuit of justice.
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