Najee Hardaway, a fourth grade teacher at Lomond Elementary School, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, died this Monday. The Shaker Heights City School District confirmed the news. However, claims arose recently that Hardaway was involved in a car crash which took his life. To be sure, these claims came from unverified social media accounts.
Superintendent Dr. David Glasner announced Hardaway's passing to families and staff, as per WKYC. Hardaway was remembered as “an outstanding educator who cared deeply for our students.”
“He was a Shaker Heights graduate and beloved staff member who was recognized as a leader among his colleagues. Mr. Hardaway was a cherished member of our Lomond and Shaker Heights Schools community both inside and outside of the classroom. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Glasner further wrote.
The local publication cited records from Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to note that Hardaway had died at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He was 26.
{{/usCountry}}The local publication cited records from Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to note that Hardaway had died at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He was 26.
{{/usCountry}}Now, claims have been made that Hardaway was involved in a car crash, which took his life. “A fourth-grade teacher, only 26, dies in a car crash and the district has to scramble to get counselors into an elementary school the next day,” a post on X read.
A resident of Ohio also wrote on Facebook “Did yall hear about Najee Hardaway? The 26 year old, 4th grade shaker teacher that passed away recently in a car crash? To my Euclid high family, that was Mr. Hardaway son. I knew it was soon as I seen his smile. So sad. May he rest in peace. Mr. Hardaway (Steve) made a huge difference in my life. I’m sure he raised an outstanding son. Prayers for his family, work community, and students.”
Here's what you need to know about Najee Hardaway's cause of death.
Najee Hardaway cause of death: Fact-check car crash claims
The confusion appeared to stem from post put out by Forever Missed, which said “Najee Hardaway Obituary Cleveland OH Car Accident”. This was noted by Plunder Studios, a page which reports on true crime.
"Najee Hardaway car accident? Now-deleted "Forever Missed" erroneous post claiming car crash for Najee Stephen Hardaway. Many people are saddened by the sudden death of a beloved teacher in Ohio, however a now-deleted "Forever Missed" post seemingly erroneously titled "Najee Hardaway Obituary Cleveland OH Car Accident ..." has caused confusion," the page noted.
It added “While several local obituary aggregates attribute his passing to a tragic traffic collision in Cleveland, local news outlets (including WKYC) and school district officials have only confirmed that the 26-year-old Shaker Heights elementary school teacher and former College of Wooster basketball standout passed away on Monday, May 24, 2026, at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.”
To be sure, there is no official confirmation from authorities that Hardaway died in a car crash. The latest reports indicate that a cause of death has not been made immediately available.