Beautiful inside and out, Sharon Ann Dorn was a devoted mother, loving partner, and cherished friend who had a natural gift for making people feel welcome and loved. The 61-year-old Stow, Ohio, woman was known for her generous heart, wonderful sense of humor, and impeccable sense of style. Born in Parma, Ohio, on August 31, 1965, Sharon built her life in Stow, where she raised her three children, Gregory, Mandy, and Halle, who were the center of her world.
She was a fiercely protective and supportive mother who took immense pride in them. For over 20 years, she worked in sales at Gardiner and was also a dedicated fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, where her mission was to make fitness accessible and empowering. Remembered as vibrant and strong, Sharon enjoyed staying active, spending time with her children, her partner Vince Berry, and her dog, Luna.
On the morning of Sunday, October 18, 2026, Sharon was at her job at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Fourth Street. Around 9:30 a.m., a man entered the gymnasium and shot her. Witnesses inside the community recreation center described hearing yelling before the shots were fired. One person who called 911 identified Sharon as "my trainer." Callers barricaded themselves in rooms while classes were in session as the gunman fled the scene in what one witness described as a small black SUV. Emergency responders rushed Sharon to Summa Health System's Akron Campus, but her injuries were too severe. She was pronounced dead at 9:51 a.m., less than half an hour after the shooting.
The investigation was handled by the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, who quickly identified the incident as a targeted, domestic-related attack and assured the public there was no ongoing threat. Shortly after the shooting, 63-year-old Craig Alan Sipe of Akron turned himself in at the police department. A handgun was seized by officers that same day. Police have not publicly detailed the nature of the relationship between Sipe and Dorn, citing respect for her family.
Craig Alan Sipe was charged with one count of aggravated murder. He was arraigned via video in Stow Municipal Court on Monday, October 19, where he pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors described him as a threat to society and requested a high bond, while his attorney noted that Sipe had surrendered to police and had a limited criminal record. The judge set his bond at $1 million cash, and he was held at the Summit County Jail. The case was bound over to a Summit County grand jury for consideration.
The murder of Sharon Dorn sent shockwaves through the community, shattering the hearts of her loved ones. The Natatorium closed for two days, and residents left flowers at its entrance. A friend, Annie Semonin, remembered seeing Sharon at the gym the day before she was killed, describing her as a "beautiful, vibrant, strong" woman who was "always kind." On the evening of Thursday, October 22, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil at Church Square in Cuyahoga Falls. Mayor Don Walters addressed the crowd, and priests offered prayers. Friends shared tearful memories, with one recalling, "She had a way of making everyone around her feel loved, welcomed and that is something I will forever cherish about her."
In the wake of the tragedy, the city organized community support sessions with counselors and support animals from the Summit County Victim Assistance Program. A GoFundMe page was established to help support Sharon's family with unexpected financial burdens. Her family held calling hours on October 25, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow. As of October 2026, the criminal case against Craig Sipe was pending action by the grand jury. The Summit County Victim Assistance Program continues to offer a 24/7 crisis hotline for anyone affected by the tragedy.
