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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFormer state Rep. Dan Forestal, a Democrat from Indianapolis, died this week. He was 38.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office is investigating and has not released a cause of death.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a welfare check and found Forestal deceased at the Quality Inn Northwest on Wesleyan Road, a spokesperson at the department said Thursday.
Forestal, the nephew of Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal, was first elected to the Statehouse in 2012 as a Democrat representing Indianapolis and rose to a leadership position in the minority party.
But he resigned in June 2020 to focus on his mental health, following his arrest that month on preliminary charges of battery of a public safety official, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
He also faced other charges from 2019 including impersonating a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he was devastated to learn of Forestal’s death. He said in a statement that Forestal was a “great legislator and dedicated public servant who accomplished great things for his community during his time at the Statehouse.”
“From his legislation addressing urban blight in Indiana neighborhoods to serving as the leading voice for House Democrats on transportation issues, Forestal worked hard for Hoosiers across the state,” GiaQuinta said. “He will be remembered for his dedication to making Indiana a better place to work and raise a family.”
Forestal previously served as a lieutenant with the Indianapolis Fire Department, a bailiff in Marion County Superior Court 11 and as a guard at Marion County Jail II. He also ran a small business that bought and rehabilitated abandoned homes in Indianapolis.
A graduate of Roncalli High School, Forestal also received his associate’s degree in fire science from Ivy Tech Community College, a degree in public safety administration from IUPUI and a degree in public administration from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
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Guess a suicide….
Yep probably troubled dude.
Let’s not guess!
We do need to realize that addition is a big problem and not just for poor people or those with mental illness..
I knew Dan and his family and there is not a better group of people in this city.
So sad that this talented young man is no longer is with us.
I will never forget the wise counsel of a mental health professional who said “Mental illness can strike anyone at any time.” No one is immune and it is often extremely difficult and complex to diagnose and treat.
Very sad and tragic. Is it wrong to hope for a natural cause? Too many dead from preventable tragedy. Condolences to his family and friends and kudos for his public service.
My sympathies to family, friends and colleagues. Death is always difficult, but a sudden, tragic death strikes so hard. Peace to all.
He was a good man who served his Irvington constituents extremely well! This is so very sad!
having to deal with all of the repressive and puritanical republicans was a challenge to him or any democrat. He cared about his constituents and died too young.
I agree WHY bring politics into a tragic and heart breaking situation. May God reward him for the good he did in his short life.