Autopsy results pending for SP student

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
This photo of Tyler Adams is posted on a Facebook page where his friends and loved ones have been sharing memories. Adams, who had just completed his sophomore year at South Putnam High School, died Saturday.

CUNOT -- No official cause of death has yet been determined for a South Putnam High School student who died over the weekend.

Owen County Sheriff Chester Richardson confirmed Tuesday that Tyler Adams, 16, of Greencastle died early Saturday. Richardson said Adams died at a residence in the Cunot area.

Adams' parents, Debbie Adams of Greencastle and Jody Adams of Fillmore, said their son had gone to visit friends Saturday night. He left the home where he lived with his mother at about 10 p.m.

Richardson said witnesses who were at the house where Adams died said Adams had complained of not feeling well and had taken medication before lying down.

Just before 3 a.m., Richardson said, a 911 call came in to Owen County Dispatch.

"The people who lived at the house had gone to check on (Adams) and found him unresponsive," Richardson said.

The first units from the Cataract Fire Department were on the scene at 3:11 a.m., Richardson said. Medics attempted to no avail to resuscitate Adams, and he was pronounced dead by a representative of the Owen County Coroner's Office.

Adams' body was transferred to Terre Haute for an autopsy. Richardson said it would likely take two to four weeks for the results to be received.

Adams would have been a junior at South Putnam in the fall.

"We were very upset to hear the news," said South Putnam Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt. "We extend our sympathies to Tyler's family, and we hope that everyone will keep them in their thoughts and prayers."

A Facebook page where Adams' friends and loved ones can post photos, condolences and memories has already sprung up. A common comment is that Adams had a penchant for making people laugh.

"You would always find a way to make me laugh," Justin Gorham wrote. "You did some of the dumbest stuff just to make someone laugh."

Lisa Cambridge Wing wrote of Adams' spirit.

"To the York-Adams family -- What a special kid you raised," she wrote. "Tyler will be forever remembered here for his pep talks at the ball fields."

Adams is the second South Putnam High School student to die in less than a month's time. Haley Anna Bain, 15, who would have been a sophomore in the fall, died May 29 as the result of an all-terrain vehicle accident.

A memorial fund for Adams has been set up at PNC Bank.