Andrew Strand, 34, Found Dead in Trash Compactor Behind Shaker Heights CVS

A 34-year-old contractor identified as Andrew Strand was found dead inside a trash compactor at the rear of a CVS on Chagrin Boulevard in Shaker Heights after his wife tracked his phone and called police, officials said. The discovery followed a late-evening call to police expressing concern about Strand’s whereabouts.

“A contractor working at a CVS location in Ohio was found dead inside a trash compactor,” police said. “The man was identified as 34-year-old Andrew Strand.” Strand’s wife called police at about 10 p.m. Wednesday, saying she was concerned about not hearing from him. “Cole said Strand’s wife tracked his phone to the CVS on Chagrin Boulevard and that Strand was doing contract work at the location,” the department said. Officers searched the property and found Strand “inside a trash compactor at the back of the property.”

Shaker Heights police Commander John Cole expressed the department’s sympathy. “We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” Cole said. The Cuyahoga County medical examiner is determining the cause and manner of death, and investigators have not released any further findings.

CVS confirmed it is cooperating with investigators. “CVS said it is cooperating with the investigation.” Beyond that statement, no additional details have been released about whether store surveillance footage exists, whether the compactor was operating, or how Strand came to be inside the equipment. Local authorities have not characterized the case as foul play, accidental, or otherwise, and no arrests or suspects have been announced.

For residents and workers, the case raises immediate safety and accountability questions about commercial compactors and contractor work on retail properties. Verify official updates with the Shaker Heights Police Department and the Cuyahoga County medical examiner as autopsy results and investigative findings are released. If you worked at or visited the CVS on Chagrin Boulevard around the time of the incident, consider contacting police to report any observations or footage that may help investigators.

Next steps in the inquiry include the medical examiner’s autopsy results and any additional statements from Shaker Heights police or CVS about the circumstances and safety protocols. The family’s loss and unanswered safety questions mean this will remain a local focus as authorities complete their work and release more details.