PARMA, Ohio — Vasyl Shvets, a 27-year-old Ukrainian refugee, sought a new life in Northeast Ohio, but his dreams came to a tragic end when he was shot while working as a Lyft driver. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with his murder, marking Shvets as the second Lyft driver killed in the Cleveland area within just over a day.
With a memorial service set for Saturday at St. Andrew Ukrainian Church, friends and family are reflecting on Shvets’s vibrant spirit and his determination to support his loved ones back in Ukraine. Reverend Dmytro Kasiyan, who considered Shvets family, shared fond memories of him, highlighting his love for his fiancée and his dream of starting a family. “He had a big heart and was especially great with children,” Kasiyan said.
Shvets was fatally shot late Tuesday night in his vehicle on East 84th Street, causing it to crash into a dumpster. His life was abruptly cut short during his pursuit of stability and prosperity after fleeing a war-torn homeland. “He came to America with hopes of finding freedom and peace, but sadly his life ended in violence here,” said Kasiyan.
As family members grapple with the devastating loss, they also express frustration over the lack of communication from police and Lyft regarding the investigation into Shvets’s death. “His fiancée and family are eager for answers, but so far, there’s been silence,” Kasiyan added.
Since arriving in the United States earlier this year, Shvets worked tirelessly, often sending most of his earnings back home to support his mother, father, and sister, who now mourn the loss of their son and brother. “They never had the chance to say goodbye,” Kasiyan noted sadly.
Questions loom about the circumstances of the shooting, with speculations ranging from a potential drive-by to robbery. “Vasyl was a caring person who would have given anything if he felt his life was in danger,” Kasiyan said. “Nothing is worth losing your life over.”
Echoing the sentiments of many in the community, Kasiyan called for justice. “We just want to see justice served for Vasyl,” he said.
Following the memorial at St. Andrew Church, Shvets’s body will be repatriated to western Ukraine, where his family will lay him to rest. In Parma, those who knew him will remember his kindness and dedication to his loved ones, emphasizing the profound impact of his tragic death on his community.