David Wilder was 61 when he was fatally shot on March 25, 2017, while driving near East 89th Street and Woodland Avenue in Cleveland. He was struck by a stray bullet during a gunfire exchange between two cars and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Wilder taught as an adjunct professor at Cleveland State University and John Carroll University and was known for his work on social justice, the environment, and adjunct faculty rights.

Three men were arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection with the drive-by shooting: 18-year-old Kassius Williams, 25-year-old Terrell Gray, and 26-year-old Charles Walker. Authorities say the suspects were in a black Volkswagen firing at occupants of a maroon Saturn when the stray round hit Wilder. A GoFundMe was created to cover funeral costs and any excess was directed to a scholarship in his name.