Community Mourns Beloved Business Owner Jehad Alzaben After Tragic Loss; Vigil to Be Held Tonight

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Livingston Avenue community is mourning the devastating and senseless loss of Jehad Alzaben, a cherished local business owner whose sudden death has left residents heartbroken. Known to many as not just a merchant but a neighbor, mentor, and friend, Jehad’s presence stretched far beyond the walls of his small store near East Livingston Avenue and Fairwood.

For more than 25 years, Jehad Alzaben was a cornerstone of the neighborhood, operating his carryout with an open heart and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Residents recall his warm greetings, his generosity, and the quiet ways he gave back to the people around him. Whether it was donating snacks and drinks to local youth sports teams, sponsoring community events like National Night Out, or supporting neighborhood schools and nonprofits, Jehad’s contributions were constant, heartfelt, and often made without seeking recognition.

“He was the kind of person who showed up, who gave quietly but consistently,” said longtime resident Alicia Morgan, who lives just a few blocks from the carryout. “When our block hosted a clean-up day, he donated water and supplies. When our kids needed uniforms for their team, he didn’t hesitate. He was truly invested in us—not just as customers, but as people.”

That sense of personal connection is what makes his loss so profound. Details about the circumstances of Jehad’s death have not been officially released, but community members say the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood.

“He was more than a store owner,” said Tyrell Jackson, a father of three who frequented the carryout. “He knew our names, asked about our kids, gave my son his first job. He cared about what happened to this community.”

To honor Jehad’s memory and stand together in grief and gratitude, a community vigil is scheduled for tonight at 9:00 PM. It will take place outside his carryout, near the intersection of East Livingston Avenue and Fairwood Avenue. Organizers say all are welcome—friends, neighbors, customers, anyone whose life was touched by Jehad’s kindness.

Attendees are encouraged to bring candles, flowers, and photos, and to come prepared to share memories, offer prayers, or simply stand in silent reflection. The vigil will serve as both a space for mourning and a celebration of a life that, by all accounts, radiated generosity and love.

City Councilmember Latasha Harden issued a brief statement Monday afternoon: “Jehad Alzaben was the heart of a community often overlooked. He showed us what it means to give selflessly, to support others not for praise but because it’s right. We stand with his family and this community in their time of deep sorrow.”

Jehad is survived by his wife, children, and extended family, many of whom are still processing the grief of this unexpected tragedy. Community members are currently organizing a fundraiser to assist the family with funeral and memorial costs, and to ensure his legacy continues in the very community he helped nurture.

Tonight’s vigil will not only honor Jehad’s memory—it will remind the city of the quiet heroes who hold neighborhoods together through everyday acts of service, friendship, and love.

For those unable to attend the vigil but wishing to show support, residents are encouraged to leave cards, flowers, or messages at the front of the store. Organizers also plan to collect written memories and tributes to share with Jehad’s family in the days ahead.

In the face of loss, the Livingston Avenue community is coming together—not just to mourn, but to lift one another up, as Jehad always did.