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Coroner Says Fort Wayne Tim Hortons Customer Died From Acute Heart Failure During Altercation

Prosecutors will review the coroner’s finding that a sudden flare-up of chronic heart failure occurred in the May 13 fight before deciding whether to file charges.

Overview

  • The confrontation began over a drive‑thru order on May 13 and involved a 75‑year‑old customer, a 17‑year‑old employee and a 20‑year‑old shift lead, with shoving, striking and hair‑pulling captured on store video.
  • The Allen County Coroner ruled the cause of death as “acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure in the setting of physical altercation,” a phrase meaning the struggle likely triggered a sudden worsening of an existing heart condition.
  • The coroner listed the manner of death as undetermined because investigators found no significant injuries that clearly made the death an accident or a homicide.
  • No Tim Hortons employees have been charged and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office said it will review the final autopsy report before making any charging decision.
  • Grayson’s family has hired civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, held protests over video transparency, and may pursue civil action, a development that could push local officials to release more evidence and shape any legal outcome.