A heartbreaking scene unfolded early Sunday morning on the west side of Indianapolis when a 24-year-old woman was found dead at a hotel pool. Authorities later identified the woman as Che’mari Thomas, whose body was discovered at the Courtyard Marriott near Fortune Circle West, just after midnight.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers were called to the hotel around 12:11 a.m. on June 1 for what was initially reported as a death investigation. When they arrived, they found Thomas unresponsive near the hotel’s outdoor pool. Emergency crews confirmed she had no signs of life and pronounced her dead at the scene.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office later released Thomas’s name but has not yet determined the cause or manner of her death. An autopsy and toxicology tests will be conducted to help provide answers. Officials have not disclosed whether Thomas had been staying at the hotel or visiting someone there at the time of the incident.
Police say the investigation is still active, and it’s unclear whether foul play is suspected. Investigators are working to gather more information by speaking with hotel staff, reviewing any available security footage, and identifying potential witnesses. So far, no one has come forward with details about what may have led to the woman’s death.
As the investigation continues, the hotel has not commented on the situation, and no information has been shared about safety protocols in place for the pool area. Authorities have not said whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical emergency might have played a role in the incident.
The sudden loss of Che’mari Thomas has shocked those who knew her. Friends and family have begun to post tributes and messages of grief on social media. Many are calling for answers as they try to understand how such a tragedy could happen in what should have been a safe, quiet environment. IMPD is urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to uncover the facts behind this tragic event.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of pool safety and supervision, especially during late hours when few people are present. Authorities plan to release more information once the investigation is complete and the results of the coroner’s report are available.