An Ohio woman, Brittany Ritter, 37, was found dead on top of a train car in Elkhart, Indiana, over 100 miles from her home, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
Ritter, of Holland, Ohio, was last seen on a bicycle between September 1 and 2 and was reported missing by her family after they lost contact with her. Her body was discovered around noon on September 3 by a Norfolk Southern employee who reported seeing a deceased person. Police later identified Ritter through tattoos and fingerprints.
The official cause of death is pending an autopsy, but a homicide team from the Elkhart Police Department is leading the investigation. Police stated the train on which Ritter was found had traveled from the east before stopping in Elkhart. It remains unclear how the mother of two ended up on the train car.
Tributes and Fundraising
The Lucas County Sheriff's Office offered condolences to Ritter's family and friends, acknowledging the grief associated with the loss. "We recognize the tremendous grief that comes with news like this and extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss," the office said in a statement.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by a family member to help cover funeral expenses. Suzanne Markey, who identified herself as Ritter's sister-in-law, described Ritter as a "beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend." Markey noted that Ritter struggled with mental health challenges but was remembered by those who knew her for her strength and dignity.
The fundraiser aims to raise $9,000, with an initial $567 raised as of Saturday afternoon. Both the Lucas County Sheriff's Office and the Elkhart Police Department are continuing to investigate Ritter's death.