Najee Hardaway, a 26-year-old fourth-grade teacher at Lomond Elementary School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, passed away on May 24, 2026, as confirmed by the Shaker Heights City School District. Superintendent Dr. David Glasner expressed condolences, highlighting Hardaway's dedication as an educator and his impact on students and the community. However, unverified social media claims have circulated, alleging that Hardaway died in a car crash. Posts on platforms like X and Facebook have contributed to this confusion, referencing a now-deleted post from Forever Missed that incorrectly suggested a traffic accident. Local news sources and school officials have not substantiated these claims, and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has not provided an official cause of death. As the community mourns, the focus remains on honoring Hardaway's legacy as a cherished teacher.