The unexpected death of 19-year-old Ethan Fike has greatly saddened his family, friends, and the DeKalb County community in Indiana.
On November 1, 2025, just before 9 a.m., Ethan was tragically struck by a passing Norfolk Southern freight train along the tracks in the 600 block of East Main Street in Butler.
When deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found him at the scene and pronounced him dead shortly after.
The incident is still under investigation, with help from local police, the coroner’s office, Indiana State Police, and even Norfolk Southern’s own investigators.
It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change, especially for someone so young and full of promise.
Ethan was a beloved son, grandson, brother, and friend who lit up every room he entered.
Born and raised in Kendallville, Indiana, he grew up in a loving home with his father, Donald Fike, and two sisters whose names haven’t been shared publicly out of respect for their privacy.
Donald has been a steady presence in the community, working as a dedicated employee at Quick Tanks since 2018, where he helps keep things running smoothly in the industrial world.
Ethan’s family home was a place of warmth and support, the kind that builds strong kids ready to take on the world.
As his cherished grandmother, Brenda Fike, shared in a raw and emotional post after his passing,
“This is our Grandson Ethan Fike—he was such a sweet and caring young man. We will miss you and have always loved you. Your life was taken at such a young age. You were loved by so many and a great athlete in football and wrestling, and being a son and a grandson and a great friend to so many.”
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Her words show the quiet strength of a family holding onto memories while suffering with unimaginable loss.
From a young age, Ethan threw himself into sports with a passion that inspired everyone around him.
He was a standout wrestler for the Eastside Blazers Wrestling team and also shone on the football field, showing the grit and heart that defined him.
As a student in the DeKalb County Eastern Community School District, he balanced classes with training, always carrying that positive spirit his coaches and teammates remember so well.
The DeKalb County Wrestling Club put it perfectly in their tribute:
“We join the wrestling community in mourning the loss of Ethan Fike, a bright young wrestler who passed away this morning in Butler, Indiana. Ethan’s love and dedication to the sport of wrestling, along with his positive spirit, left an impact on those who trained and competed alongside him throughout the area. His passion and character reflected the very best of what wrestling stands for. Our hearts and prayers are with the Fike family, his teammates, coaches, and friends during this difficult time. The entire wrestling community stands together in mourning and remembrance.”
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It’s clear Ethan wasn’t just an athlete; he was the kind of teammate who made practices fun and matches meaningful.
At 19, Ethan was on the cusp of so much more. He dreamed big, laughed easily, and had that rare ability to make others feel seen and valued.
His family, especially his parents, Donald, and the extended love from his grandmother Brenda, gave him roots deep enough to chase those dreams. Losing him feels unfair, like a story ended too soon.
Ethan’s light impacted many lives, and his memory will always shine bright as the community comes together in support.
Our thoughts are with the Fike family, Donald, his sisters, Brenda, and all who knew him, in this time of sorrow.
Rest in peace, Ethan. You were loved, and you’ll never be forgotten.
