The autopsy results are in for an 18-year-old who went missing and was later found dead earlier this year.
Traevion Pirtle was with a friend when he was last seen on March 7, 2026, in the 3600 block of Cedar Pine Lane and reported missing to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police the next day. IMPD announced him as a missing person who may need medical attention on March 9. In the midst of a search, social media rumors spread online about what could have happened to the teen.
At 8:50 p.m. on March 13, police were called about a death investigation near a church in the 10500 block of East 38th Street, where they found his body, exactly half a mile from where he went missing.
Due to the investigation becoming a high-profile case, Marion County Coroner Alfie McGinty released a statement on March 16.
“Because this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot speculate on potential circumstances surrounding the death at this time. The final determination may take several weeks as toxicology testing and investigative reviews are completed,” McGinty said at the time. “As we near the timeframe of determining the cause and manner of death, we will share information with the public after we have provided information to the family.”
IndyStar reached out for an update on the autopsy, and this is what the Marion County Coroner revealed.
What was Treavion Pirtle’s cause and manner of death?
Traevion Pirtle’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head, neck, and trunk with brain and skeletal injuries. Investigators told IndyStar the injuries were consistent with those sustained if he had fallen from a great height. Pirtle’s body was found near a radio tower that extends hundreds of feet in the air.
But the teen’s manner of death is undetermined, according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
So, what does this mean? Death investigations can be ruled as natural, accidents, suicides, or homicides.
Although his cause is known from his physical injuries, officials can’t say with certainty that those injuries were the result of an accident, an intentional act, or self-harm.
Did Treavion Pirtle have drugs in his system?
The toxicology results are complete for Pirtle’s autopsy, but the Marion County Coroner’s Office told IndyStar that the report is not for public release. The teen’s family would be given the results if requested.
IndyStar was unable to immediately reach Pirtle’s family.
Are Indianapolis Metropolitan Police still investigating this case?
IndyStar has asked IMPD if they are continuing an investigation into Pirtle’s case, but they haven’t responded by the time of this article’s publication. The Marion County Coroner’s Office said they are done on their end with the investigation.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Traevion Pirtle autopsy gives insight into missing Indy teen’s death
Reporting by Jade Jackson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
