TERRE HAUTE— A death investigation is ongoing following the discovery of Mike Pastorious, 51, in Terre Haute. Pastorious was found unresponsive behind his home in the 7500 block of East Devonald Avenue around noon on October 1. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy conducted the following day revealed that Pastorious died from multiple blunt force injuries compounded by pre-existing medical conditions. The exact cause of death will be finalized pending toxicology results, which may take several weeks to process.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Pastorious fell from an elevated hunting stand prior to his death. He was discovered approximately 30 feet away from a ladder-type deer hunting stand, which was positioned 15 feet above the ground. Notably, he was not wearing a full-body safety harness at the time of the fall.
Indiana Conservation Officers emphasize the importance of safety when hunting from elevated positions, urging all hunters to utilize a full-body safety harness to prevent similar tragedies.
The investigation into Pastorious’s death is ongoing, with assistance from several agencies, including the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Trans-Care Ambulance Service, Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
