Retired TV reporter run over, killed crossing street, Ohio cops say. Driver charged

A driver has been charged following a 2024 crash that killed a retired television reporter, Ohio police say.

Zachary Saliba, the accused driver in the Dec. 11 crash that killed Bill Safos, was charged Jan. 16 with aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the Lakewood Police Department.

Safos was a “beloved” reporter who retired early due to health issues, according to a GoFundMe. He had worked for Channel 19 (WOIO) and Channel 3 (WKYC) in the Cleveland area.

Police said Saliba was driving recklessly when he struck Safos, who was crossing the street at an intersection. Before striking the 58-year-old man, Saliba was seen in video surveillance committing “aggressive traffic offenses,” investigators said.

Lakewood Mayor Meghan F. George described the death of Safos as “a tragic loss” for the community.

“These charges represent an important step in ensuring justice for Bill, a longtime and deeply valued member of our community and an accomplished broadcast journalist,” she said in a statement.

WOIO said Safos was a Greek immigrant who grew up in Lakewood. He graduated from Ohio State University.

Brian Sinclair, the station’s news director, knew Safos as a “warm and genuine person.”

“He cared deeply for his family, his friends, and his community,” Sinclair said. “Bill’s passion for people made him a great reporter and he was right in front on some of the biggest stories in Northeast Ohio.”

At WKYC, Safos was known for his versatility, covering a wide array of topics for the station.

“Bill Safos will be remembered as a generous human being, passionate reporter and one who cared deeply for his community,” WKYC Studios President and General Manager Micki Byrnes said in a statement.

A loved one said in the GoFundMe that Safos was caring for his 86-year-old father and his mother, who has Alzheimer’s, during his retirement.

Lakewood is a southwestern suburb of Cleveland.

This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM with the headline "Retired TV reporter run over, killed crossing street, Ohio cops say. Driver charged."