An Ohio woman who went missing from her home was found dead on top of a train car more than 100 miles away in Indiana, prompting a homicide investigation.
Brittany Ritter, 37, from Holland, near Toledo, disappeared between September 1 and 2 after she was last seen riding a bicycle. Her family reported her missing when they were unable to contact her.
Her body was discovered around midday on September 3 in Elkhart by a Norfolk Southern employee, who reported seeing an “apparently deceased person” on the railcar.
Police identified Ritter through her tattoos and fingerprints. She was a mother of two and had experienced mental health difficulties.
The cause of death has not yet been established and is pending an autopsy. Elkhart police have assigned a homicide team to the case, while investigators continue to examine how Ritter came to be on the train.
Police said the train had travelled from the east before stopping in Elkhart. It is unclear whether Ritter had been travelling by bicycle at night when she disappeared or how she got on to the train.
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office said: “Our thoughts are with Brittany’s family, friends, and all those who knew and cared about her.
“We recognize the tremendous grief that comes with news like this and extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
A family member has set up a fundraiser towards Ritter’s funeral costs. Suzanne Markey wrote that the family was mourning “the tragic loss of my sister-in-law’s beloved sister, Brittany Ritter – a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend”.
She added: “Brittany was the proud mother of two sons who are now facing an unimaginable loss. Although she struggled with mental health challenges, those who knew her recognized her strength, valued her life, and will remember her with dignity and compassion.”
The fundraiser had collected 567 dollars towards a 9,000-dollar target by Saturday afternoon. The Elkhart Police Department and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate Ritter’s death.
