The Allen County Coroner's Office has ruled the death of Anita Grayson, 75, as undetermined, citing acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure in the setting of a physical altercation. Grayson died on May 13 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after engaging in a physical dispute with a Tim Hortons employee over a mistaken order.
Coroner Dr. E. Jon Brandenberger stated that while the altercation contributed to the worsening of Grayson's pre-existing heart condition, the autopsy found no significant contributory injuries. This means the medical examiner could not definitively classify the death as natural, accidental, or a homicide.
Surveillance footage showed Grayson, a customer, confronting young workers at the Tim Hortons drive-thru. The altercation escalated when a 20-year-old employee asked Grayson to leave. Police reported that Grayson then pushed the employee and another staff member, striking one of them and pulling out a lock of her hair.
In response, a worker pushed Grayson, causing her to fall to the ground. Store management then reportedly offered Grayson a cup of water. When police arrived approximately ten minutes later, they found Grayson unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Despite the coroner's findings, Grayson's daughter, Tawnda, has publicly stated her belief that the fight caused her mother's death. She has questioned the police and coroner's accounts of the incident, asserting that her mother would still be alive if she had not entered the coffee shop.
Brandenberger explained that a physical altercation can increase heart rate, potentially worsening congestive heart failure. He emphasized that an exhaustive investigation and review of the evidence led to the undetermined manner of death, meaning a precise cause could not be determined with reasonable certainty.
No Tim Hortons employees have been charged in connection with the incident. The Allen County Prosecutor's Office is expected to review the final autopsy report.