VIGO CO.– Further investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives from the Putnamville State Police Post has provided additional details regarding the death of Shane Hedden, a 48-year-old West Terre Haute man, while in law enforcement custody on June 28, 2025.
According to the State Police, the incident occurred during a joint detail between a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer and the West Terre Haute Police Department in the river bottoms of West Terre Haute, where criminal activity had been reported.
During the detail, officers encountered Hedden operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). A Conservation Officer, also on an ATV, dismounted and identified himself as law enforcement, ordering Hedden to get off his vehicle. Police stated that Hedden disregarded these commands, attempted to flee, and in doing so, dragged the Conservation Officer approximately ten yards.
West Terre Haute officers subsequently located Hedden hiding in brush about 150 yards from the Conservation Officer and took him into custody. While in custody, Hedden began complaining of chest pain and then collapsed. Officers immediately initiated lifesaving first-aid and CPR. Hedden was transported to a local hospital in Terre Haute, where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
An autopsy was performed yesterday at the Regional Hospital. Preliminary findings from the autopsy indicate that Hedden did not die from trauma. Toxicology and pathologist reports are still pending. Once these results are received, the official cause of death will be released by the Vigo County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation into Hedden’s death remains ongoing.
