It is with great sadness that we report the tragic death of Luis “Poppi” Wheeler, who was murdered in a hit-and-run incident in Cooper Foster Park, Lorain, on February 8, 2025. Luis was 50 years old at the time of his death, and although he was homeless, he was a well-known and beloved member of the Lorain community.
The loss of Poppi has shaken those who knew him, and his death under such tragic and senseless circumstances has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the people who called him a friend. As the investigation into his death unfolds, questions remain about the events that led to his fatal encounter with a vehicle and the callousness of the driver who struck him and fled the scene.
Poppi was a figure in the Lorain area who, despite facing the challenges of homelessness, maintained a kind and giving spirit. Known for his generosity, even when he had little to give, Poppi was the kind of person who always put others before himself. His loss is not just a blow to his family but to the community that he touched with his warmth and willingness to help others.
According to Lorain County Coroner Frank Miller, Luis Wheeler died almost immediately after the incident. He sustained serious brain injuries and numerous fractures to his extremities, and he passed away at the scene of the crash. The tragedy occurred when a driver, who later claimed to have mistaken Poppi for a dog, struck him and left him on the side of the road. The driver’s reckless actions were a brutal and cold disregard for human life, leaving Poppi alone in his final moments with no one to help him.
The driver, whose identity has not been fully released, initially stated that she “thought he was a dog” and did not stop after hitting Poppi. This shocking and incomprehensible excuse for leaving a human being to die on the side of the road has ignited anger and disbelief within the community. Local residents and friends of Poppi are struggling to understand how someone could act with such callous indifference toward another person’s life.
In response to Poppi’s tragic death, his family has been left not only grappling with the emotional loss but also the financial burden of funeral expenses. Poppi did not have life insurance, and his family is now working to raise funds for a proper burial to honor his memory. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover the costs of Poppi’s funeral, and the family is humbly asking for any donations, no matter how small, to give him the dignified send-off he deserves. The outpouring of love and support from the community is appreciated, and the family hopes that Poppi’s life can be remembered for the positive impact he made on the lives of others.
Luis “Poppi” Wheeler’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of homeless individuals, who often live on the fringes of society and are left to fend for themselves in a world that sometimes ignores their humanity. Poppi was not just a homeless person—he was a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to many. His life was valuable, and his tragic death has sparked conversations about homelessness, the need for compassion, and the importance of human connection.
The circumstances surrounding Poppi’s death have raised concerns about accountability and the need for greater empathy in our communities. No one should be left to suffer on the side of the road, and yet, tragically, that is what happened to Poppi. His family and the community are now left to process the grief of losing someone who was taken far too soon and in such a preventable way.
Poppi’s family has shared their grief publicly, reflecting on the man he was and the memories he created. “He didn’t deserve to be left there like that. We didn’t deserve to lose him that way,” one family member said in their GoFundMe campaign. “Poppi was well known around Lorain. He was a brother, great uncle, and a person who didn’t have much but would give you his last.” These words highlight the kind of person Poppi was—a selfless individual who, despite his own struggles, always tried to make life a little better for those around him.
In the days following the incident, the community has rallied to support Poppi’s family and ensure that he is given the respect and dignity he deserves. The funeral arrangements are being made, and the family is hopeful that they will be able to say their final goodbyes properly. While the loss of Poppi is immeasurable, the outpouring of support from friends, family, and even strangers has shown just how much of an impact he had on the lives of others.
As the investigation continues and the search for the driver responsible for Poppi’s death moves forward, questions remain about how such an incident could have been avoided. The community is demanding justice for Poppi, hoping that the person who caused his death will be held accountable for their actions. In the meantime, the family is asking for privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking loss but is grateful for the support they have received.
Poppi’s death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing every moment with those we love. It also calls attention to the need for a more compassionate society—one that looks out for its most vulnerable members and does not turn a blind eye to suffering. His life may have been taken in a senseless and tragic way, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, loved him, and remember him for the person he was.
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign for Poppi’s funeral expenses or to learn more about his story, please visit the page. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping Poppi’s family lay him to rest with dignity. As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful that justice will be served and that Poppi’s life will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Luis “Poppi” Wheeler. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved you. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
The post Luis Wheeler Death; Luis Wheeler killed in a hit-and-run incident Feb. 8 in Lorain on Cooper Foster Park has been identified as Luis “Poppi” Wheeler first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
