Former Indiana lawmaker Dan Forestal dies at 38

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

Former state Rep. Dan Forestal, a Democrat from Indianapolis, died this week. He was 38.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office is investigating and has not released a cause of death.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a welfare check and found Forestal deceased at the Quality Inn Northwest on Wesleyan Road, a spokesperson at the department said Thursday.

Forestal, the nephew of Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal, was first elected to the Statehouse in 2012 as a Democrat representing Indianapolis and rose to a leadership position in the minority party.

But he resigned in June 2020 to focus on his mental health, following his arrest that month on preliminary charges of battery of a public safety official, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

He also faced other charges from 2019 including impersonating a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Former Indiana state Rep. Dan Forestal died this week, about a year after he resigned his position saying he was struggling with mental health issues. (Photo by Emily Ketterer, TheStatehouseFile.com)

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he was devastated to learn of Forestal’s death. He said in a statement that Forestal was a “great legislator and dedicated public servant who accomplished great things for his community during his time at the Statehouse.”

“From his legislation addressing urban blight in Indiana neighborhoods to serving as the leading voice for House Democrats on transportation issues, Forestal worked hard for Hoosiers across the state,” GiaQuinta said. “He will be remembered for his dedication to making Indiana a better place to work and raise a family.”

Forestal previously served as a lieutenant with the Indianapolis Fire Department, a bailiff in Marion County Superior Court 11 and as a guard at Marion County Jail II. He also ran a small business that bought and rehabilitated abandoned homes in Indianapolis.

A graduate of Roncalli High School, Forestal also received his associate’s degree in fire science from Ivy Tech Community College, a degree in public safety administration from IUPUI and a degree in public administration from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

9 thoughts on “Former Indiana lawmaker Dan Forestal dies at 38

  1. Let’s not guess!
    We do need to realize that addition is a big problem and not just for poor people or those with mental illness..
    I knew Dan and his family and there is not a better group of people in this city.
    So sad that this talented young man is no longer is with us.

  2. I will never forget the wise counsel of a mental health professional who said “Mental illness can strike anyone at any time.” No one is immune and it is often extremely difficult and complex to diagnose and treat.

  3. Very sad and tragic. Is it wrong to hope for a natural cause? Too many dead from preventable tragedy. Condolences to his family and friends and kudos for his public service.

  4. having to deal with all of the repressive and puritanical republicans was a challenge to him or any democrat. He cared about his constituents and died too young.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In