CLEVELAND — Community in Mourning: 26-Year-Old Heaven Alisha Sharell Williams Found Dead Following Altercation

CLEVELAND — Community in Mourning: 26-Year-Old Heaven Alisha Sharell Williams Found Dead Following Altercation

Cleveland, Ohio — A wave of sadness and concern has gripped the city’s Slavic Village neighborhood after the tragic death of Heaven Alisha Sharell Williams, 26, a young woman whose life was cut short in a violent incident on Broadway Avenue. According to the Cleveland Police Department and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, she was pronounced dead after being found outside in the 8000 block of Broadway Avenue on Tuesday night.

What began as a physical confrontation is now the subject of a full homicide investigation—authorities say Heaven was struck by a vehicle and may also have been shot during the altercation. The tragic combination of violence and vulnerability has left her family, friends, and neighbors reeling.

The Incident

According to the police report, law enforcement responded to the scene in Slavic Village on Tuesday night following calls about a violent disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located Williams’ body with visible trauma in the 8000 block of Broadway Avenue. The medical examiner later confirmed she died from injuries sustained in the incident.

Officials say the incident originated from a fight among unknown individuals. During or immediately after the altercation, Williams was hit by a vehicle. Additional information suggests she may also have been shot during the fight, although investigators have not yet publicly confirmed that detail.

Who Heaven Was

Friends and neighbors describe Heaven as a vibrant young woman who had a bright personality, loved her community, and was full of potential. She lived locally, knew many in the neighborhood, and was beloved by the Slavic Village community. Her untimely death has stirred sorrow and a sense of injustice among those who knew her.

“She was always smiling when she saw you,” one friend said. “This is just so unfair.”

An Ongoing Investigation

The Cleveland Police Department’s homicide unit has taken over the case and is actively investigating. Detectives are reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, collecting forensic evidence from the scene, and seeking to identify the driver of the vehicle involved. They are also exploring whether the gunshot allegation is substantiated and who may have been involved in the fight.

Police have asked anyone with information—especially those who may have captured footage or witnessed the altercation—to come forward. They emphasized that the community’s cooperation is vital to bring justice for Williams.

Community Impact & Response

The Slavic Village neighborhood is shaken. Residents report feeling vulnerable and saddened that someone young and full of life could turn up dead on a local street. Churches, neighborhood associations, and local leaders have called for a vigil and are coordinating support for Heaven’s family.

“We can’t allow violence to win in our streets,” said one community organizer. “We owe it to Heaven and our neighbors to demand safety and accountability.”

Remembering Heaven

While the investigation continues, those who loved Heaven are beginning the difficult process of honoring her life. Gatherings are being planned where people will share memories, lend support to her family, and reaffirm the value of peace and life in the community she called home.

Heaven Alisha Sharell Williams will be remembered for the warmth she brought to others, the promise her life had, and the heartbreak of a young life ended too soon.

🕯️ Rest in peace, Heaven.
Your light was too bright to be extinguished.
Your community mourns you.
And your memory will never be forgotten.