From Bob Knight to Jimmy Erskine: Indiana lost these notable Hoosiers in 2023

They wore jerseys. They donned badges. Stethoscopes. Ties. Racing suits. Many kept their heart on their sleeves.

Some were champions on the court or in the courtroom. Some were devoted public servants or daring entrepreneurs. They were people of uncommon faith and fiery character. All will be missed as we enter the next year.

The following is an incomplete list of notable Hoosiers we lost in 2023.

Timothy Morrison, Jan. 6

He wasn't a big name to the public — he led the federal Southern District's prosecution efforts as an interim U.S. attorney, but he was never a presidential appointee.

Yet the prosecutors and judges who knew him grieved in January because, to them, he made a splash simply by being an honest public servant.

“Everybody has a Tim Morrison life jacket moment,” Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Doris Pryor told IndyStar. “Where you were sinking, your boat was sinking, and you knew it, right? ...And right when you thought, 'This whole thing is just going to pot,' here comes Tim Morrison with a life jacket.”

More: Tim Morrison stamped out corruption and brought humor to a high-stakes, high-stress career

Paul Estridge Jr., Jan. 8

Paul Estridge, Jr. had a larger-than-life reputation as a homebuilder but will be remembered by those who knew him for his determination, generosity and ability to connect with others.

Estridge was one of Central Indiana’s most known homebuilders, a household name in Hamilton County especially.

More: 'He shared everything:' Central Indiana homebuilder Paul Estridge Jr. dies at 65

Donnell 'Coach Nell' Hamilton, Jan. 11

A man who dedicated his life to steering children out of the path of violence was gunned down tragically in Greenwood while riding in a vehicle.

To hundreds of Indianapolis families, he was known as Coach Nell.

He was the founder of the Indy Steelers youth football team in Indianapolis, which Hamilton started with a simple motto: Mute the echoes of gun violence so children can learn a better way.

For years, Coach Nell and his co-coaches did just that. The Steelers team provided a safe space for neighborhood kids to have a support system and an outlet in football.

More: Indy Steelers coach dedicated to stopping violence killed in Greenwood road rage shooting

Bruce White, Jan. 19

Bruce White left a legacy as the developer behind hundreds of hotels across the country including the JW Marriott, which left an imprint on the downtown Indianapolis skyline.

At 34 floors, the JW Marriott is currently the city's largest hotel. The project, which opened in 2011, was considered essential for Indianapolis to host large events, such as the 2012 Super Bowl.

“It’s hard to imagine the Indianapolis of today without the contributions of Bruce White," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "From our reputation as a major host city to the skyline a visitor sees when they arrive, Bruce made an impact that won’t soon be forgotten.”

More: JW Marriott owner, developer Bruce White dies at 70

Art Wells, Jan. 29

Art Wells wasn't a photographer, at least not professionally. But at family cookouts and on special occasions and just about any other time he wasn't working, Wells always had two or three cameras around his neck with three rolls of film for each, snapping away, chronicling whatever magic came into his lens' view.

Wells was a car guy by trade who, through the years, owned Wright’s Automotive and worked at General Motors. Photography was his hobby, albeit a serious enough hobby that Wells once built a dark room in the storm cellar of his Indianapolis home so he could develop his own 35 mm film.

Cars. Photos. Garages. Dark rooms. Photos. Cars. Those were pretty much Wells' two passions. Until 1993 when he landed a gig at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and those two passions collided to create something even better.

More: An IMS legend: As Indy 500 drivers raced on track, he raced by scooter to deliver film

James Alexander Thom, Jan. 30

James Alexander Thom, the Hoosier author known for his vibrant historical fiction novels that brought the past to life, left a lasting legacy in words.

He was perhaps best known for his 1981 book "Follow the River," about the 18th-century escape and journey of Mary Ingles, who had been captured by the Shawnee and made the 400-mile trek home. It was later made into a movie.

Thom won many honors, including induction as a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and was an Indiana Authors Awards Lifetime Achievement Honoree and National Winner. But it was his humor, graciousness and easy connection with people that stuck with those who met him.

More: Bestselling Indiana author James Alexander Thom, known for historical fiction, dies

Theresa Murray, Jan. 31

It’s no exaggeration to say that Theresa Murray saved countless lives.

The 61-year-old Indianapolis woman transformed patient care during her decorated nursing career that spanned almost four decades.

Much of her focus was on helping prevent pneumonia in patients within the ICU, including those on a ventilator. The techniques she introduced at Community Health Network were used to treat COVID-19 patients who often required ventilators during the worst of the virus.

And that care extended beyond the hospital room.

More: Theresa Murray spent decades saving lives. Her tragic death could save more, friends hope

Bernard Barcio, Feb. 20

To generations of Indianapolis students, Bernard Barcio's name was synonymous with wildly creative lessons on antiquity.

He helped them wrangle catapults for a national contest and build chariots as he taught the roots of Western civilization. For his efforts, he won Indiana Teacher of the Year in 1986.

Closer to the Latin and classics teacher's Broad Ripple home, friends and neighbors knew him for his continuous gestures of generosity, like carrying treats in his coat pockets to feed neighborhood dogs and leaving books inside a little free library box.

"He was kind of an epic person who touched a lot of lives," his son Phillip Barcio said.

More: 'An epic person': Bernard Barcio, the Latin teacher known for his catapult contest, dies

David Benner, March 1

David Benner, a former IndyStar journalist, was the calm, stoic, unflappable PR guy for the Indiana Pacers for nearly three decades.

He fielded calls about Paul George trade rumors, coaching vacancies, the brawl at a game in Detroit and media hysteria when Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for his first game inside Market Square Arena after retiring.

He was, as Gregg Doyel wrote, a curmudgeon's curmudgeon known for his sharp wit, big heart and fierce love of the Pacers.

More: David Benner, a legend at IndyStar and then the Pacers, dies

Terry Badger III, March 6

As Terry Badger II walked to the mound at Busch Stadium on Sunday to throw out a ceremonial pitch in honor of his 13-year-old son who lived and breathed the St. Louis Cardinals, tears welled up in his eyes.

As he looked up into the stands, the crowd of 40,000 people rose to their feet in applause. During that standing ovation, the Cardinals made a call to action to stop bullying and Badger felt a piece of his heart that broke when his only son died inside their home, slowly begin to heal.

Months later, his son's death would lead to the passage of the TB3 bill, which was signed by Gov. Holcomb into law. It requires, among other things, that a school corporation prioritize the safety of a victim of an act of bullying; that the school corporation report an act of bullying to the parents of the victim and the parents of an alleged perpetrator; and that it makes allowances for school transfers depending on the severity of the bullying.

More: Before suicide, his dream was to play for Cardinals. Sunday he got 'ovation he deserved'

Bill Siderewicz, March 7

Indiana high school football lost one of its legendary coaches in 2023 — Bill Siderewicz, who died at age 87.

“Over the past 50 years, no one has galvanized the community of Martinsville on Friday nights, more than coach Bill Siderewicz,” Martinsville athletic director Kip Staggs said.

Siderewicz coached at Martinsville from 1970 to 1999, leading the Artesians to five undefeated regular seasons, 11 South Central Conference championships and two state semifinal appearances. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

More: Bill Siderewicz's impact 'immeasurable.' Legendary Martinsville football coach dies.

Lucy Foyt, April 5

When A.J. Foyt suffered burns and breaks, fell off bulldozers and was stung by killer bees, his wife, Lucy, was there to cheer on each remarkable recovery.

This latest tragedy, he'll have to go through without her. Lucy Foyt died Wednesday morning in a Houston hospital after a brief illness. She was 84 years old.

"So much of A.J.'s racing success was rooted in the solid foundation of the love and support that Lucy provided for him throughout his career," IndyCar series owner and longtime Foyt friend Roger Penske said in a statement.

More: Lucy Foyt, A.J. Foyt's wife of nearly 68 years, dies after brief illness

Justin Owen, April 8

An hour before Justin Owen's car flipped into the air, its motor making an eerie noise that sounded like a deafening scream, before the hush fell over Lawrenceburg Speedway, Ryan Barr had one last conversation with his fellow sprint car driver.

Owen was smiling, laughing and telling his blush-inducing jokes during the entire 30-minute drivers' meeting. Barr felt lucky to be by his side.

Owen was the guy at the racetrack everyone wanted to talk to. He was the guy who would give the shirt off his back, or in Owen's case, the radiator out of his car, to help a competitor. He actually did that once.

More: The night Justin Owen died at Lawrenceburg Speedway: 'Please tell me he's out of the car'

Paul Ayers, April 28

In January, former Hamilton County Councilor Paul Ayers watched his daughter Teresa enter local politics when she won a GOP caucus to fill a seat on the Carmel City Council. It was a special night, Teresa Ayers said. Both were precinct committee persons and participated in the caucus. But Ayers had one thing to tell his daughter when the caucus election was over.

“It was ‘Get to work, Teresa,’” she recalled him saying. “Get to work.”

The message to his daughter was just like Paul Ayers’ approach to service across organizations in Hamilton County, especially his two terms on the Hamilton County Council where his former councilors said Ayers was always fair and steadfast in his beliefs.

More: Former Hamilton County Councilman Paul Ayers dies. He was 79.

Jim Strietelmeier, May 7

Jim Strietelmeier leaves behind a legacy of helping other people in Indianapolis through his faith.

Strietelmeier co-founded the Compassion Clinic on the east side of Indianapolis with Dr. Javier Sevilla. He also founded the Neighborhood Fellowship Church, also on the east side, with his wife Debra.

Each year, volunteers at the Compassion Clinic provide care to thousands of uninsured people, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. The volunteers are students and faculty from schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, social work, law, health and human sciences and pharmacy at Indiana and Butler universities.

Jim Strietelmeier wasn’t afraid of helping people who were ignored in the community, said those who knew him best.

More: 'A good man': Jim Strietelmeier, founder of east-side church and clinic, dies at 58

Bill Oesterle, May 10

Bill Oesterle, the co-founder and former CEO of business directory service Angie's List, died after complications with ALS. He was 57.

Oesterle was known for his wide spheres of influence in Indianapolis business and politics. In addition to his involvement at Angie's List, now Angi, Oesterle co-founded the Orr Fellowship and post-Angie's List venture TMap, which does business as MakeMyMove.

Those who knew Oesterle say he was passionate about investing in people and talent, particularly in Indiana. He wanted to make his home state a better place to live and work.

More: 'He cared about people:' Angie's List cofounder Bill Oesterle dies at 57

Marcia Wilhoite, June 4

Loved ones remembered Boone County Council member and long-time farm proprietor Marcia Wilhoite as a dedicated public servant, committed community volunteer and financial wizard who kept county business humming along.

“She could have made more money by not being so involved but she was a believer that if you are part of a community it is your duty to give something back,” said Councilor John Riner.

Wilhoite, 65, was found unconscious in her Lebanon swimming pool. Officials ruled her death as an accidental drowning.

More: Marcia Wilhoite remembered as backbone of Boone County council

Aaron Smith, June 28

By the age of six, Aaron Smith knew he wanted to be a police officer. He wrote as much in a book next to a scribbled stick figure. He wanted to follow his dad’s footsteps.

Smith chased that dream years later to become a trooper with Indiana State Police in the Indianapolis area. He served five years before his life was cut short placing stop sticks on Ronald Reagan Parkway to halt a fleeing driver who swerved and struck him.

Smith, 33, died shortly after. Many spoke of his dedication while noting he served his community even when he wasn’t wearing the badge.

“Trooper Smith earned our eternal gratitude,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “Learning about Aaron’s upbringing, he seemed to be one of us. But there was just something extra special.”

More: Slain Trooper Aaron Smith, a 'humble servant' laid to rest

John Durm, July 10

John Durm, a Marion County deputy for 38 years, was nearing retirement when he died during a violent prison escape at the Community Justice Campus.

The deputy's tragic end is, Sheriff Kerry Forestal said, “a poignant reminder that the work of our police officers is not merely a profession, it is a calling.”

Durm's father, brothers and ex-wife have all worked for the sheriff's office. He was kind, fair, and well loved by those who knew him best, an obituary read.

More: 'He was a good man': Deputy John Durm remembered as kind, generous

Marianne Tobias, July 12

Indianapolis lost a bright arts luminary with the passing of Marianne Williams Tobias — philanthropist, pianist and author — who died at age 82.

Born in 1940, Tobias' talent for piano emerged at an early age. In 1953, while a student at the Orchard School, she performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of former Music Director Fabien Sevitzky.

Tobias' lifelong calling was not only to fund and perform classical music but to demystify it for the uninitiated. She devoted more than 35 years to annotating the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's programs and to writing books of her own in a witty and accessible manner.

"Just because classical music is old does not mean it is only for old people," she wrote in the introduction of "Classical Music Without Fear: A Guide for General Audiences." "Besides entertainment, classical music speaks to us about life and reactions to it."

More: Indianapolis arts champion Marianne Tobias dies at age 82

Ron Sexton, July 21

Comedian Ron Sexton brought laughter into the world voicing the character "Donnie Baker" on "The Bob & Tom Show." He was a beloved entertainer, husband, father and colleague, as outpourings of grief were expressed after his sudden passing at age 52.

An Indianapolis native, Sexton attended Franklin Central High School where he worked at the school’s radio station as a baseball commentator. His Donnie Baker character hit the airwaves in 2005 on "The Bob & Tom Show" with anecdotes about the boat he seemingly always had for sale and dropped frequent punchlines like "State law!" and "I swear to God" during his appearances.

Sexton also voiced characters like Floyd the Trucker and Kenny Tarmac, in addition to his celebrity impressions. The airwaves are a less funny place without him.

More: Indianapolis comedian Ron Sexton, known for Bob & Tom Show character, dies at 52

Sean Dawkins, Aug. 8

Sean Dawkins played five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts in the 1990s before dying at age 52.

The Colts selected Dawkins 16th overall in the 1993 NFL Draft. He caught 251 passes and registered 3,511 yards, 12 touchdowns in 69 career games as a Colt. He had five 100-yard games and a career-best 144 yards on eight catches versus Dallas in 1993.

"Rest in peace, Sean Dawkins. I am shocked and saddened. My prayers and condolences to Sean’s family," Colts team owner Jim Irsay wrote.

For his career, Dawkins caught 445 passes and 25 touchdowns in the regular season. Dawkins played in five career playoff games, including three in 1995 for the Colts.

More: Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Sean Dawkins dies at 52, according to Jim Irsay

Ashlea Albertson, Aug. 18

Ashlea Albertson, an Indianapolis-based racer who drove for Tony Stewart Racing, died after suffering injuries in a crash on Interstate 65. She was 24.

Todd Albertson, Ashlea's father, posted a video to Facebook sharing the news of her death with the racing community because "all she wanted to do was put on a show."

"She was a good kid, a better person, and she just loved racing." Albertson said. "She loved the community, and you all have done so much for her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

More: 'She was a good kid': Ashlea Albertson, Tony Stewart's teammate, dies at 24

Jack Meachum, Aug. 22

The grief and sorrow was spilling from Charlie Berry’s voice in late August. Earlier, Berry had dropped off a lacrosse ball in Hamilton County on State Road 38 near Six Points Road. It was the location where his friend and lacrosse coaching colleague, Jack Meachum, died after a two-vehicle crash.

“He was just getting started,” Berry said. “Sometimes the longer you go in coaching, the fire starts to burn out. With him, the longer he went, the brighter the fire got. He was smiling ear to ear that day they won state. He finally climbed that mountain.”

Meachum, 31, led the Carmel boys team to a state championship in June. Berry, president of the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association and Guerin Catholic coach, was there on the sideline with Meachum that afternoon as Carmel won its first state title in eight years.

More: 'He was just getting started.' Carmel lacrosse coach Jack Meachum dies in car accident

Jack Sandlin, Sept. 20

Indiana State Sen. Jack Sandlin made his mark as a staunchly conservative Republican, tireless advocate for law enforcement and a shoe-leather public servant, with a particular soft spot for his home, the south side of Indianapolis.

Friends and family recalled the 72-year-old as a family man who loved spending time with his three grandchildren, a public official who could walk into any south side restaurant and know somebody, who took every phone call and who worked much of his political capital to advance the interests of police.

A devout Christian, Sandlin was a back-row lawmaker both in the Indiana Senate and on the Indianapolis City-County Council, described as a "quiet leader" who at times dipped his toe into controversy but mostly plucked away behind the scenes and was willing to work across the aisle.

More: State Sen. Jack Sandlin remembered as law enforcement and social conservative champion

Terry Dischinger, Oct. 10

Purdue men’s basketball legend Terry Dischinger still stands as the only Boilermaker alum to win NBA Rookie of the Year. But what’s even more impressive is how he did it.

Dischinger played only 57 games of the 80-game season in his first year of professional basketball in 1962. Playing for the Chicago Zephyrs, who would end the season having Slick Leonard as a player-coach, Dischinger missed those 23 games for a simple reason: He needed to finish his degree at Purdue.

Dischinger’s humble, helpful nature was something that defined him throughout his life more than his basketball prowess. The Purdue legend and nine-year NBA star died Oct. 10 at the age of 82, following another fruitful career in orthodontics.

More: Purdue star Terry Dischinger 'incredibly underrated among our state’s all-time greats.'

Bob Knight, Nov. 1

Iconic as he was controversial, Bob Knight for decades embodied the spirit of basketball in a corner of the world mad about it. His hard-nosed, fundamentals-driven style and attention to detail became deeply rooted in the culture of the sport for basketball fans in southern Indiana and elsewhere, his admirers standing as ardently by him as his critics often chastised him.

At the height of his success at Indiana University, few in the sport were more recognizable, or more noteworthy.

Knight died in Bloomington, according to a post on bobknight.com, a website that represents Knight and his foundation. The school later confirmed Knight's death, announcing his passing ahead of IU women's exhibition game Wednesday at Assembly Hall. He was 83.

More: Legendary Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight dies at 83

Judge Shatrese Flowers, Nov. 5

Shatrese Flowers, a judge for the Marion County Superior Court, died after an illness at the age of 50. Family and friends remembered her as a resilient and thorough judge who took on high-profile cases and was not intimidated by criticism.

"She never shied away from what she thought was right," said Marion County Superior Court Judge Angela Davis, who has known her for more than 20 years since the two met at the Marion County Public Defender's Agency.

Flowers worked through a seven-year battle against lung cancer — sometimes putting in hours before and after chemo and even preparing for a case the day she died.

"She didn't want any special treatment," her husband Kevin L. Moore said. "She worked until the end. She wanted to be accounted for. Present. Effective."

More: Judge Shatrese Flowers, 50, dies after a long illness. She worked until her death.

Matt Ulrich, Nov. 5

Matt Ulrich, a reserve offensive lineman who played two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, including the 2006 Super Bowl winning team, died at 41, according to Colts owner Jim Irsay.

"I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many," Irsay posted to X. "Great guy, I hear he was a great dad --- and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family."

"Our beloved, one of a kind Matt has passed away and is in a better place," his wife, Alison wrote on social media. "Matt, we love you so so much. You are profoundly missed. We all want you back for just one more day. One more hug. One more kiss. One more laugh. One more joke. One more wrestle with the boys. It seems impossible to do this life without you.

"Please pray for peace and comfort for the boys. They have lost their greatest fan, coach and friend."

More: Former Colts Super Bowl champion Matt Ulrich, 41, dies: 'We all want you back.'

David Worrall, Nov. 7

David “Red” Worrall was a former councilman who was trying to make a comeback for an at-large seat on the Clarksville City Council when he collapsed on Election Day while greeting voters outside a polling station. He died later at a hospital. He was 60.

Clarksville is in Southern Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.

“David's dedication to our community was truly commendable,” the town’s statement said. "We will never forget his passion for public service and  his unwavering desire to create positive change in our town."

Worrall served as a dedicated supporter of Clarksville's community-run programs that helped children who needed food, clothing, and school supplies, according to his obituary. He was a tireless supporter of “Shop with a Cop” and was a Volunteer Clarksville Reserve Police Officer for 10 years.

More: Indiana candidate dies after collapsing outside polling station

Charles Jordan, Nov. 10

Charles Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players to take the court at Shortridge High School, who went on to play for the Indiana Pacers and overseas, died a shell of the 6-foot-8, towering figure he had once been. He was 69.

Jordan died after battling diabetes and dementia and, in his final years, falling on hard financial times.

But none of that is how he should be remembered, said John Abrams, co-founder of Dropping Dimes Foundation, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit whose mission is to help struggling former American Basketball Association players and their families.

"He was always quiet," said Abrams, who worked as a ball boy for the Pacers during Jordan's 1975-76 season, "and so humble."

More: Shortridge basketball star, Pacers player Charles Jordan dies at 69: 'Always so humble'

Nathan Finney, Nov. 22

Bloomington restaurateur Nathan Finney and a Chicago flight instructor died in a Shelby County plane crash the day before Thanksgiving.

Finney was president and founder of Finney Hospitality Group, which owns The Tap, Tap Brewery, Yogi's, SmokeWorks and Social Cantina in downtown Bloomington. Social Cantina also has locations in Indianapolis, Carmel, West Lafayette and Mishawaka.

Finney lived in Bloomington with his family. He and pilot Warren Bruhl were the only two on the plane, which Finney recently purchased and was learning to fly.

More: Nathan Finney, owner of Social Cantina, The Tap, dies in small plane crash

Jimmy Erskine, Nov. 25

Jimmy Erskine, son of Dodgers' baseball great Carl Erskine, who outlived his Down syndrome prognosis by decades became the face of Special Olympics.

Erskine's death brought sadness and sorrow to family and friends, but there was also joy in the victory of his long life, a life that was a true testament to "the power of love," said family friend Ted Green.

When Erskine was born April 1, 1960, the youngest child of Carl Erskine and his wife, Betty, doctors told his parents they should send Jimmy to a mental institution. At the time, average life expectancy for babies born with Down syndrome was 10 years old.

Instead, the Erskines told doctors Jimmy was going home with them, because no one could care for or love their son the way that they could. He lived until age 63.

More: 'Power of love': Jimmy Erskine dies at 63, outliving Down syndrome prognosis by decades

Jeanetta Holder, Dec. 13

Jeanetta Holder, perfectly enough, was born on an Indianapolis 500 race day in May 1932 on a family farm in Kentucky. Throughout her nine decades of life, she raced stock cars, claiming to be the first woman to flip one, worked part time hanging wallpaper and — most notably — became the beloved "Quilt Lady" at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Since 1976, when Holder gave Johnny Rutherford a hand-stitched red, white and blue quilt after he won the Indy 500, she has given more than 40 patchwork masterpieces to the Speedway's race victors, as well as hundreds more to drivers at other tracks, a few celebrities and even President Jimmy Carter.

When Holder died at 91 years old, the racing community mourned a woman who never charged a penny for the hundreds of hours she spent on the quilts, not to mention the materials she bought in bulk.

She just loved racing, quilting and, especially, the drivers.

"The drivers do so much to make us happy," Holder said in a May 1988 Indianapolis News article. "So, this is my gift to them."

More: Indy 500 'Quilt Lady' dies: She gave winning drivers hand-stitched blankets since 1976

George McGinnis, Dec. 14

George McGinnis, the Washington High School basketball superstar who went on to become an Indiana University standout, helped win two ABA titles with the Pacers. He died at 73.

McGinnis' death was due to complications from a cardiac arrest suffered at his home, according to the Pacers. He was taken to Community North Hospital with family, friends and former teammates keeping vigil until he died.

It was an unexpected, sudden and sad ending to a player who was known as one of the strongest, most fierce competitors of his era.

More: Indiana basketball legend George McGinnis dies at 73: 'He was like Superman'

Eric Montross, Dec. 17

Eric Montross made his post-high school life, which included a national championship at North Carolina in 1993 and an eight-year NBA career, away from Indianapolis. But the “gentle giant”, as described by his teammates, was a big part of Lawrence North’s first state championship team as a junior in 1989.

Nine months ago, Montross had been diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from his duties as radio analyst for North Carolina basketball broadcasts.

The University of North Carolina released a statement that Montross died at his home in Chapel Hill surrounded by his family, including wife, Laura, and children Sarah, Andrew and Megan. He was 52.

More: Eric Montross dies: 'People around here will be proud to say he’s from Indiana.'

In addition to basketball legends, lawmakers and other public servants, Indiana also lost its First Dog, Henry, beloved pet of Governor Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb.

Henry Holcomb, Dec. 18

The Miniature Schnauzer lived at the Governor’s Residence. His favorite food, according to IN.gov, was chicken. He loved the outdoors, chasing squirrels, naps, visits to the statehouse and meeting Hoosiers.

Henry crossed the rainbow bridge at age 13.

More: Indiana's first dog, Henry Holcomb, died at age 13. Here's a look at his time in office.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: From Bob Knight to Jimmy Erskine: Indiana residents who died in 2023