The autopsy conducted as part of the investigation of the death of Mike Pastorious, 51, of Terre Haute, was completed yesterday. Cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries along with contributory medical issues. Exact cause will not be finalized until toxicology results are returned, which could take weeks.
Initial investigation has also determined that Pastorious fell from an elevated hunting stand prior to his death. He was found approximately 30 feet from a ladder type deer hunting stand that had an elevation of 15 feet.
Pastorious was found not wearing a full-body safety harness. Indiana Conservation Officers remind the public to always use a fall-body safety harness when hunting from an elevated position.
Original Release
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after the body of a man was found October 29th in Terre Haute.
At approximately noon, officers were dispatched to the area near the 7500 block of East Devonald Avenue after Mike Pastorious, 51, of Terre Haute, was found unresponsive behind his home. Pastorious was later pronounced dead.
The incident is still under investigation, and the cause of death is pending autopsy results.
Other assisting agencies include the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Trans-Care Ambulance Service, Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office.