BRUNSWICK, Ohio — It’s a sad day in Brunswick as the community remembers a life gone too soon.
Ayannah Woodard is at a loss for words after learning about the death of her 16-year-old brother Myezavier ‘Zay’ Cannady.
“I honestly don’t know how to feel right now,” said Ayannah Woodard, Zay’s sister. “My heart is really numb.”
“We always had a close relationship. He was close with my parents. I was close with his parents. He was always over the house every day,” said Woodard.
Now, all Woodard and others have are memories, they once shared.
"You’d always see him screaming in the hallway saying what’s up to people or just doing random TikTok dances, it was funny,” said Ayden Miller, Zay’s friend.
“Zay was the most caring, loveable nice friendly person ever. He would give you his last if that’s all he had. He was just everything,” said Woodard.
The father confirms with News 5 Cannady was killed in Warren, Ohio on Friday night.
News 5 spoke with his father during a balloon launch ceremony on Saturday afternoon at Brunswick Lake Park, where dozens showed up to remember Zay.
“It is really a blessing to see everybody here to support,” said Woodard.
Friends and family say they will miss their son, brother and friend not being by their side.
“He didn’t deserve any of this, and love is stronger than hate,” said Miller.
But his spirit will live forever in their hearts.
“I want everyone to remember how kind he was because even if he was sad, he’d do anything in his power to make sure everyone was happy,” said Makenna Harnish, Zay’s friend.
Superintendent Jason A. Niedermeyer released a statement acknowledging the news. He mentioned a "well-trained crisis response team" will be available for students and staff to utilize on Monday.
Dear Brunswick City School District Family,
Yesterday evening, the Brunswick City School District was notified about the tragic death of one of our high school students. Please know that we have a well-trained crisis response team in place, and they will be working to ensure our students and staff have a support network to help them navigate this loss. This team will be available for students and staff on Monday in the Student Center. Loss of any type within our community can cause emotional and behavioral responses. As a result, please encourage your student to reach out if they need someone to talk with during this difficult time.
Brunswick is an incredible community. The tragic loss of one of our students will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our students, families, and staff. Every student in our district is a valued, cherished member of our BCSD family. Our hearts are heavy for the loved ones who mourn.
Please keep the loved ones of this student in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jason A. Niedermeyer
Superintendent
Police said the student was fatally shot.
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