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Michael Sweeney, a 70-year-old prominent Cincinnati businessman with four decades in the automobile industry, reportedly died days after a shooting on Interstate 75 in a suspected road rage incident. Officials confirmed that Michael Sweeney died on Monday, May 15, after being shot in the head during a "road rage incident” on Saturday, May 13.
Cincinnati police said that on Saturday, officers responded to a crash around 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 75. Upon arrival, police reportedly found a 70-year-old man, later identified as Sweeney, with a gunshot wound. As per the police report cited by multiple publications, two other women, aged 45 and 57, were in the vehicle with Sweeney. The women were reportedly not injured in the incident.
Police said that Sweeney was shot in the head and neck after a possible road rage incident but did not elaborate on the circumstances that led up to the shooting. Authorities added that the shooting caused a car crash on I-75 northbound near Mitchell Avenue.
Sweeney was reportedly transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Police have yet to release information about a possible suspect who reportedly fled the scene in a silver four-door Chevy or Nissan Sedan. The car had tinted windows and a temporary license plate.
Michael Sweeney is the grandson of Walt Sweeney
Per his obituary, Michael Sweeney, a prominent businessman in Cincinnati is the grandson of Walt Sweeney who owned and operated 'Walt Sweeney Ford' in Cincinnati since 1917. Michael Sweeney has been part of the family-owned automobile business for over four decades.
Sweeney, who went to Cardinal Pacelli grade school and graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1971, was described as an avid sportsman. He was reportedly recognized as a Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star for his achievements in football. In the wake of Sweeney's passing, St. Xavier released a statement condoling the death of one of their students and said:
"Michael Sweeney was a member of the St. Xavier Class of 1971. His tragic death reminds us that every day of human life is precious and should be a priority. The St. Xavier High School community is saddened to hear of his loss. He will forever be remembered as a member of the Long Blue Line. Our prayers are with his family in this time of sorrow. Let perpetual life shine upon him and let the love of Christ console all who mourn his loss."
Sweeney is reportedly survived by his four kids, Caroline Kamenash, Tom Claudia, Mike Carina and Mary Sweeney. The obituary described him as a fiercely loyal, humorous man, who was devoted to his family and surrounded himself with loved ones.
“Kind to everyone, Mike was often surrounded by his family and friends. He loved sharing a good joke, especially one with a head-turning punchline, followed by a snap of his fingers.”
The obituary stated that Michael Sweeney’s funeral will be held on Saturday, May 20, at St. Vincent Ferrer Church.
