A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed by the family of Thomas (Tommy) Ricke, who died of dehydration at the Elkhart County Correctional Center on May 11, 2025. The case, initiated on September 25, 2026, claims that multiple parties, including the Marion and Elkhart County jails and the healthcare provider Wellpath, failed to provide Mr. Ricke with necessary medical care.
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At 39 years old, Ricke entered the Marion County Community Justice Campus with known diagnoses of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His family asserts that medical staff acknowledged his mental health issues but did not take adequate measures to address them. Specific allegations include the failure to conduct a psychiatric evaluation for over a week, provide a treatment plan, or prescribe psychiatric medications.
Ricke’s condition deteriorated while he was in custody, and despite being referred to a mental health provider, he received minimal attention. The lawsuit contends that when he was transferred to the Elkhart County Correctional Center, staff ignored his urgent medical needs and signs of distress.
The complaint describes how both jails contracted with Wellpath, a company criticized for inadequate medical care leading to over 1,500 lawsuits. Although aware of Ricke's serious condition and previous suicide attempts, the staff did not take appropriate actions when he showed symptoms of a dangerous psychiatric crisis and was not drinking water.
As a result, Ricke died of dehydration and hypernatremia just four days after arriving at the Elkhart facility. The suit alleges systemic failures in care for inmates, highlighting a pattern of neglect that risks the lives of vulnerable detainees.
The plaintiff, Melissa Ricke, who represents her brother's estate, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages under federal civil rights laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Defendants named in the lawsuit include Wellpath LLC, the Elkhart County Sheriff, the Marion County Sheriff, and multiple individuals associated with both counties.
Senior Attorney Sam A. Harton remarked on the preventable nature of Ricke's death, calling for accountability and reminding that incarcerated individuals deserve basic decency and healthcare. Melissa Ricke expressed her devastation over her brother's death and emphasized his humanity and need for proper treatment.