Latest news with #MarionCountyCoroner'sOffice
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
'She was a firecracker and sweetheart,' Family waits for answers after couple found dead
"Undetermined death investigation" is what police labeled the report after Christianna Mendez-Heitzman and Robert Simmons were found dead in the Courts Apartments complex. Simmons, 39, and Mendez-Heitzman, 22, were a couple who lived at the home with her 3-year-old daughter. Mendez-Heitzman's brother, who lived with the couple, found them when he returned to the apartment. His niece, Adriana, was asleep, and he took her out of the apartment and called 911. At 9:10 a.m. on May 31, 2025, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to that 911 call from the 4400 block of Linwood Court. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. The couple's loved ones told IndyStar they have suspicions of what happened, but are waiting on autopsy results from the Marion County Coroner's Office and confirmed information from detectives. Kerri Cunningham, who has been a longtime friend of the family, created a GoFundMe to help raise money for Mendez-Heitzman's funeral costs. She was at the apartment complex for hours after learning the news about the deaths and said neighbors shared their happy, albeit brief, moments with Mendez-Heitzman. She contacted Simmons' family to let them know what happened. "My heart is breaking for everyone involved," Cunningham said. IndyStar located Simmons' family, who said they were also at the scene of the death investigation, but they declined to comment. Cunningham said Mendez-Heitzman was focused on improving her life and worked hard to get her apartment and car. Mendez-Heitzman was a genuine soul who would help babysit Cunningham's young children. "I spoke to her the day before she died, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary or wrong," Cunningham said. Mendez-Heitzman's loved ones are remembering her as a hilarious character who used to make them laugh no matter what was going on in life. Angela Heitzman said her niece was outgoing, energetic, made friends easily and had the best facial expressions. "One 4th of July, she and her brother, Jose, came to watch fireworks," Angela Heitzman said. "We had glow sticks and sparklers. She was so dramatic and silly." Online, teachers, former classmates and friends are sharing their memories of Mendez-Heitzman with many saying she was passionate about sports and fun to be around. Her mother, Tammy Heitzman, told IndyStar they texted often and said the young mom was always highlighting her skills in the kitchen or asking for advice. "She was showing off what she made to feed her daughter and brother," her mother said, describing the last time they spoke. "She was very passionate about the people in her circle, especially Adriana and (her brother)." Her sister, Stephanie Heitzman, said she looked up to Mendez-Heitzman the most growing up, because she admired how she was her own person. "Her personality was one of a kind. She was a firecracker and a sweetheart all in one," said Stephanie Heitzman. This article will update.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
500 Festival confirms participant died after finish of mini-marathon
A participant died following the finish of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3. The organization would not confirm whether the person had finished the race. Their identity has not been released, pending a next-of-kin notification from the Marion County Coroner's Office. "Our deepest condolences go out to the individual's family and friends," a spokesperson for the 500 festival said. "This loss is felt across our organization and the entire running community." There were 24 calls for medical services during the race, most for injuries and exhaustion, according to Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services. That doesn't include people treated on-site at a medical tent. While sudden deaths during endurance events are relatively rare — roughly 1 per 100,000 runners — they're not unheard of. Medical literature shows that underlying cardiac conditions like arrhythmia and weather-related factors like heat stroke are among the most notable risks. Stopping points with cool drinks and shade are key to preventing heat illness. There were 16 aid stations along the race course, one providing gel nutritional supplements, a spokesperson said. The weather May 3 was mild, with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s. Still, runner Giada Mirelli said the 2.5 mile loop around the racetrack was hot and humid as the bright sun evaporated the morning's rain from the asphalt. "I couldn't even feel any wind, and I actually got goosebumps on the Speedway, which is not a good sign," Mirelli said. Developing clammy skin with goosebumps despite hot conditions is a symptom of heat exhaustion, according to Mayo Clinic. The Mini-Marathon has happened annually since 1977, with a virtual event in 2020. The 13.1-mile course begins in downtown Indianapolis, loops around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then returns downtown. Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@ Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@ follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @ Contributing USA Today reporters: Jorge Ortiz and Phaedra Trethan. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: A participant died after the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, organizers confirm
Indianapolis Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
500 Festival confirms participant died after finish of mini-marathon
A participant died following the finish of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3. The organization would not confirm whether the person had finished the race. Their identity has not been released, pending a next-of-kin notification from the Marion County Coroner's Office. "Our deepest condolences go out to the individual's family and friends," a spokesperson for the 500 festival said. "This loss is felt across our organization and the entire running community." There were 24 calls for medical services during the race, most for injuries and exhaustion, according to Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services. That doesn't include people treated on-site at a medical tent. While sudden deaths during endurance events are relatively rare — roughly 1 per 100,000 runners — they're not unheard of. Medical literature shows that underlying cardiac conditions like arrhythmia and weather-related factors like heat stroke are among the most notable risks. Stopping points with cool drinks and shade are key to preventing heat illness. There were 16 aid stations along the race course, one providing gel nutritional supplements, a spokesperson said. The weather May 3 was mild, with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s. Still, runner Giada Mirelli said the 2.5 mile loop around the racetrack was hot and humid as the bright sun evaporated the morning's rain from the asphalt. "I couldn't even feel any wind, and I actually got goosebumps on the Speedway, which is not a good sign," Mirelli said. Developing clammy skin with goosebumps despite hot conditions is a symptom of heat exhaustion, according to Mayo Clinic. The Mini-Marathon has happened annually since 1977, with a virtual event in 2020. The 13.1-mile course begins in downtown Indianapolis, loops around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then returns downtown.
Indianapolis Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
500 Festival confirms participant died after finish of mini-marathon
A participant died following the finish of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3. The organization would not confirm whether the person had finished the race. Their identity has not been released, pending a next-of-kin notification from the Marion County Coroner's Office. "Our deepest condolences go out to the individual's family and friends," a spokesperson for the 500 festival said. "This loss is felt across our organization and the entire running community." There were 24 calls for medical services during the race, most for injuries and exhaustion, according to Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services. That doesn't include people treated on-site at a medical tent. While sudden deaths during endurance events are relatively rare — roughly 1 per 100,000 runners — they're not unheard of. Medical literature shows that underlying cardiac conditions like arrhythmia and weather-related factors like heat stroke are among the most notable risks. Stopping points with cool drinks and shade are key to preventing heat illness. There were 16 aid stations along the race course, one providing gel nutritional supplements, a spokesperson said. The weather May 3 was mild, with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s. Still, runner Giada Mirelli said the 2.5 mile loop around the racetrack was hot and humid as the bright sun evaporated the morning's rain from the asphalt. "I couldn't even feel any wind, and I actually got goosebumps on the Speedway, which is not a good sign," Mirelli said. Developing clammy skin with goosebumps despite hot conditions is a symptom of heat exhaustion, according to Mayo Clinic. The Mini-Marathon has happened annually since 1977, with a virtual event in 2020. The 13.1-mile course begins in downtown Indianapolis, loops around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then returns downtown.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
ISP probes deadly 41-mile chase: Starting agency quit pursuit but was present at crash scene
As Indiana State Police continue their investigation into the 41-mile police chase that ended with one man dead, investigators say the agency that started the pursuit abandoned it, but "happened to drive up on the aftermath." The multi-county pursuit started in New Castle before ending in a three-vehicle crash on the east side of Indianapolis. Dewuan L. Hampton, 33, was identified by the Marion County Coroner's Office as the deceased, with his cause and manner of death being "motor vehicle accident/police pursuit." He was a passenger in the fleeing Dodge Durango. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Washington Street and Miffhoefer Road when the driver crashed the Durango crashed into a Ford Mustang and a Mercedes. Hampton was ejected from the Dodge and died at the scene. Subsequent investigation showed the Durango was stolen, police said. Its driver was later arrested on charges including resisting law enforcement, causing death and auto theft. Previous coverage: Coroner identifies man killed on East Washington in deadly police pursuit that went 41 miles The pursuit was initiated by Henry County Sheriff John Sproles after he saw the Durango's operater driving recklessly and erratically. He pursued the vehicle onto I-70 westbound toward Indianapolis. State troopers attempted to deploy stop sticks on I-70 west of Greenfield, but were unsuccessful. At that point, Sproles called for his deputies to abandon the pursuit. An Indiana State trooper, who had joined the pursuit on I-70, continued chasing the vehicle as it exited onto Post Road. As the Durango went south on Mitthoefer from 16th Street the trooper abandoned the chase, police said. The trooper turned off his lights and did a U-turn going the opposite direction of the Durango. A Henry County deputy, at the direction of Sproles, had stayed in the area to offer support to troopers. State police said the deputy was not in sight of the trooper or the suspect vehicle and was merely in the area. After the trooper terminated the pursuit, the Henry County deputy drove up on the crash and called for Indianapolis Fire and EMS. No officers witnessed the crash, according to investigators. It was determined that the speed of the Durango when it struck the Ford Mustang in the intersection of Washington and Mitthoefer was 89 mph. There was no indication of brakes being applied by the driver of the Durango. After the first impact, the Durango began rolling several times, striking the front of a white Mercedes and continuing to roll and slide more than 100 yards before stopping. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ISP: Agency dropped out of 41-mile chase but was at scene where man died
