Family seeks answers after 75‑year‑old Anita Grayson dies following incident at Indiana Tim Hortons

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Loved ones are demanding answers after 75‑year‑old Anita Ann Grayson, a devoted mother, grandmother, and longtime Jehovah’s Witness, died shortly after an incident inside a Tim Hortons restaurant in north Fort Wayne. Her death on May 13 has sparked grief, confusion, and calls for transparency as investigators continue to review what happened.

Grayson, described by her family as the “heart of our entire family,” entered the Tim Hortons on Ice Way that morning and later became unresponsive inside the store. First responders attempted lifesaving measures before transporting her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

A Woman Remembered for Faith, Kindness, and Devotion to Family

A GoFundMe created by her children paints a portrait of a woman defined by compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.

“Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the tragic loss of our beloved mother, Anita Grayson,” the family wrote. “She was a faithful Jehovah’s Witness… hardworking, compassionate, selfless, and always willing to help others before herself.”

Grayson raised four children and worshipped with the Sandpoint Congregation in Fort Wayne. Her family said her “strength, wisdom, and unconditional love” touched everyone she met. Also, she made people feel “loved and supported” through her words, her faith, and her gentle spirit.

Her daughter told ABC10, “I lost the matriarch of my family… You should not enter a coffee shop for a coffee and a doughnut and come out unalived. That is diabolical. It could have been your mother.”

Timeline Released, but Cause of Death Still Pending

The Fort Wayne Police Department released partial surveillance footage and a timeline of events amid what it called “significant public concern and misinformation.” According to the department, Grayson entered the store at 8:09 a.m., an altercation occurred minutes later, and she laid down on the floor at 8:22 a.m. An officer arrived shortly afterward and found her unresponsive.

The Allen County Coroner’s Office said the cause and manner of death remain pending, with toxicology and microscopic examinations still underway, reports WANE. Officials estimate the final autopsy report will take six to eight weeks, though they noted it will not be a publicly releasable document.

A preliminary coroner’s summary found “no significant contributory injuries” but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.

No Arrests as Prosecutors Review the Case

As of this week, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with Grayson’s death. Prosecutors are reviewing the case after receiving investigative materials from police.

The police department said it released the footage to ensure the public had accurate information, noting that early online clips lacked context and fueled confusion.

A Community Grieving and Searching for Clarity

Grayson’s death has shaken Fort Wayne residents and her congregation, many of whom say they are struggling to understand how a routine morning visit to a coffee shop ended in tragedy.

Her family continues to call for accountability and transparency as they wait for autopsy results and prosecutorial decisions.

“My mother was wronged in the worst way,” her daughter told ABC10. “We be careful with our senior citizens. We make sure they’re alright.”

For now, the community mourns a woman remembered for her warmth, her faith, and the love she poured into everyone around her.

To learn more about the fundraiser, visit the verified GoFundMe page.