Thomas Ricke
Thomas "Tommy" Ricke, 39, was described by his sister Melissa Ricke as original, funny, kind and smart, someone who loved music, helping others and spending time with family and friends. He died in May 2025, four days after being transferred to the Elkhart County Correctional Center from Marion County custody. His family's federal lawsuit says he had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, went more than a week without a psychiatric evaluation or medication, and was not drinking water when he died of dehydration and hypernatremia. The lawsuit alleges that county officials, jail staff and the contracted health provider Wellpath failed to give him constitutionally required care; the defendants have not yet responded in court.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). His family's federal lawsuit says jail staff and the contracted health provider failed to give him constitutionally required psychiatric care and that he died of dehydration and hypernatremia; the defendants have not yet responded and no court has ruled.
Reported by: family, through a federal lawsuit filed by his sister Melissa Ricke as estate representative (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued Elkhart County and its contracted health provider in federal court over his death, and the defendants have not yet responded.