Family of man killed by Metro bus honors his memory

CINCINNATI – Friends and family of Don “Irie” Harris transformed the Glenway Crossing bus stop in Westwood into a makeshift memorial Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after Harris was struck and killed by a Metro bus just feet away.

Witnesses said the 59-year-old tried to reach the bus, ran after it and hit a window when the accident happened. Police have not yet identified the metro driver, but we know it was a 30-year-old woman.

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Dozens of people lit candles and released red, green, gold and black balloons to honor his Rasta lifestyle.

Terietta Williams, Irie’s little sister, said she missed him terribly.

“Ever since this happened to my brother, I’ve just tried to move on, even though that was my big brother,” Williams said.

Williams said her brother cared for her constantly while she tried to recover from multiple strokes that had affected her speech and ability to run a household.

“I say, ‘Brother, just go.’ And he says, ‘No, I’m not going anywhere, sister. You’re my best friend. I’m going to stay with you and help you,'” she said.

Many who were present at the balloon launch said they had not yet had time to come to terms with Irie’s death.

For his niece Yolanda Williams, the evening was about remembering the lasting legacy of her uncle, who never knew a stranger and spread joy.

“He loved to dance. He loved to smile. I don’t think I ever saw my uncle angry. He laughed and danced through everything,” she said.

Just over two hours before the vigil and balloon release, a Metro spokesperson released a statement about Irie’s death.