HAMPTON, Va. — RTA COO Dr. Floun'say Caver was found dead Tuesday after being reported missing in Hampton, Virginia, on Monday.
According to Hampton Police, an officer in Virginia found Caver deceased in the 1st block of Fox Hill Road in Hampton, which is about 1.5 miles from where he was last seen. There is no indication of foul play.
GCRTA Police Chief Deidre Jones confirmed to News 5 that Caver had been missing since Monday morning.
Jones said Carver was visiting his son.
RTA confirmed his son is a freshman at Hampton University.
Hampton Police said a family member reported Caver missing at 11 a.m. on Monday, and the last time anyone heard from him or knew his whereabouts was at 3 a.m.
A police detective said family told him Caver was severely stressed but didn't elaborate.
“We are a family here; we’re a strong family. Dr. Caver is not only my direct boss, but he is also an amazing colleague and a wonderful friend, a trusted friend. Everybody here just adores Dr. Caver, and we’re awaiting news to see what the new developments are going to be," Jones said.
The GCRTA released the following statement regarding his death:
"We are devastated and heartbroken to learn of the passing of our treasured friend and colleague Dr. Floun’Say Caver, GCRTA Deputy General Manager Operations.
We have been in touch with Dr. Caver’s family to express our sadness and condolences and to offer any support we can. Dr. Caver, 50, leaves behind a wife, with whom he recently celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary, and two children.
Dr. Caver was one of the most significant figures in GCRTA’s long history. He graduated magna cum laude from Hiram College, earned a master’s in Public Administration from Cleveland State University and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Caver first worked at GCRTA in 2000 as a budget management analyst. He also served as Manager of Budgets and led Service Quality Management and the Hayden Bus District. In 2017, he was appointed Deputy General Manager following a nationwide search, and in 2018, Dr. Caver served as Interim CEO during our leadership transition. His professional awards have included being named to Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40, Mass Transit Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Cleveland State’s Distinguished Alumni Award and other recognition.
The honor to work alongside Dr. Caver was ours. He will be missed."
Earlier in the day, it released the following statement on his disappearance:
"We have recently learned that Dr. Floun’say R. Caver, GCRTA Deputy General Manager of Operations, who was on a planned trip to Virginia, is now listed as a missing person. Virginia State Police and the Hampton Police are leading the investigation. Currently information is limited. We will provide additional information as we are able. We have communicated with our employees and ask everyone to join us in prayer for Dr. Caver’s safe return. We continue to keep the Caver family in our thoughts and prayers as the search continues."
According to GCRTA, Caver joined the Executive team as Chief Operating Officer / Deputy General Manager - Operations in 2017.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne posted the following statement to X regarding Caver's death:
Dr. Floun’say Caver epitomized public service by always putting people first his entire career. @GCRTA he cared deeply about his customers & his employees & he worked tirelessly for improvements to our transit system. He was a dear friend who will be missed & never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/fsRfmGWWP7
— Chris Ronayne (@chrisronayne) August 18, 2026
