Greater Cleveland RTA executive Floun'say Caver found dead after going missing on trip: ‘Tragic loss’

By Lizzie Kaboski | Cleveland.com (TNS)

HAMPTON, VA. — An executive who served the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority for 15 years was found dead Tuesday while on a trip to Virginia, according to the Hampton, Virginia Police Department.

Floun’say Caver, 50, was reported missing around 11 a.m. Monday. He was last seen around 3 a.m. that day on foot in the 100 block of Jonquil Lane in Hampton. A Virginia State Police alert said authorities believed his health and safety were at risk.

Hampton police Capt. Shaun Stalnaker said Caver was found in the first block of Fox Hill Road, approximately half a mile from where he was last seen. Police did not say when he was found.

“The Hampton Police Division has located Mr. Caver, and we are saddened to report he was found deceased,” Hampton police said in a Tuesday afternoon Facebook post. “At this time, there does not appear to be any indication of foul play. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mr. Caver’s family, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic loss.

The RTA announced Caver’s disappearance Tuesday morning, but said it didn’t have much information to offer the public. Spokesperson Robert Fleig said the employees and staff were keeping Caver’s family in their thoughts and hoping for his safe return.

In a statement, CEO India Birdsong Terry said the RTA was “devastated and heartbroken” to learn about Caver’s death.

“We have been in touch with Dr. Caver’s family to express our sadness and condolences and to offer any support we can,” Birdsong Terry said. “Dr. Caver, 50, leaves behind a wife, with whom he recently celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary, and two children.”

Caver became the RTA’s deputy general manager of operations and chief operating officer in 2017. He managed more than 2,000 employees and oversaw a multi-million-dollar yearly budget, according to the RTA website.

“The honor to work alongside Dr. Caver was ours,” Birdsong Terry said. “He will be missed.”

His biography on the website notes that he was a change agent focused on improving the system while enhancing management practices.

Caver was appointed as interim chief executive officer in September 2018 following Joe Calabrese’s departure from his role after 18 years on the job.

In September 2019, Birdsong Terry took the position.

Caver served as an instructor at Cleveland State University and as an assistant professor at The University of Texas at Dallas. He had been serving as an adjunct professor at Ohio University, the school’s website says.

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