The Marion County Coroner has identified the man police believe was electrocuted at a light pole along I-70 on the west side of Indianapolis.
Work crews cleaning up the side ditches early Aug. 5, 2026, discovered David Lee Emmert’s body near an access panel into an Indiana Department of Transportation utility pole, according to a news release. Indiana State Police dispatchers were notified of the discovery at approximately 10:21 a.m. Emmert, 41, was holding a cutting tool, and his hands showed signs of electrocution, according to the news release.
Indiana State Police believe Emmert was “attempting to illegally obtain wire from inside the pole.” The Marion County Coroner ruled his death as an accident by electrocution.
Emmert was a loving grandfather and friend to many, according to a Go Fund Me campaign created by his family. On the day he died, Emmert was “living without stable housing and was doing what he could to survive day by day,” the campaign said.
“He was smart, funny, and always had a joke ready to brighten someone’s day,” the fundraiser’s creator wrote. “His family will always remember the joy and laughter he brought into their lives, even during difficult times.”
Emmert’s family is asking for donations for funeral expenses. IndyStar was unable to reach Emmert’s family before publication.
Aubrey Wright is a breaking news reporter for the Indy Star. She can be reached at amwright@indystar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Coroner IDs man electrocuted at utility pole along I-70
Reporting by Aubrey Wright, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Aubrey Wright, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
