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Public funeral held for deceased baby girl found in Brookside Park

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 19:56 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Brookside Park Baby Girl Funeral Draws Community Attention

A quiet morning at Indy’s Brookside Park turned into a profound moment of grief and community solidarity after the funeral of a baby girl who was found dead in the park two months ago. The ceremony, held at St. Jude Catholic Church, brought together family, friends, and local officials to honor the life of the little girl and to highlight the ongoing investigation into her untimely death.

Discovery and Initial Response

The baby, named Ava Jordan, was discovered by a park ranger on September 22, 2025, near the playground at Brookside Park. According to the park’s official website, the ranger noticed a small, unattended bag of baby items and, upon further inspection, found the infant’s body. The Indiana State Police were immediately notified, and a forensic team was dispatched to the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that Ava had died from an accidental suffocation, though investigators have not yet ruled out foul play. The Indiana State Police released a statement confirming that the case remains open and that all leads are being thoroughly pursued.

The park’s page also highlighted the importance of vigilance among park visitors and the protocols in place for reporting suspicious activity. A dedicated hotline was set up for community members to provide tips, and the park administration pledged to increase patrols in the coming months.

The Funeral

The funeral, held on October 25, 2025, was a modest but deeply moving affair. Over 100 attendees gathered at St. Jude Catholic Church to hear eulogies from Ava’s mother, Ms. Maya Thompson, and her father, Mr. Kevin Thompson. Both parents spoke openly about the shock of their daughter’s loss and the impact it has had on their family.

Ms. Thompson delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. “Ava may have been small, but her presence was huge. She filled our lives with joy, and we will carry her memory with us forever,” she said. The funeral also featured a vigil where community members lit candles for Ava, and a memorial wall where guests left handwritten notes and photographs.

St. Jude’s chaplain provided spiritual support, leading a prayer for the family and for the community. After the service, families gathered for a reception at the church hall, where local food vendors and a band offered comfort through food and music.

Investigative Updates

The Indiana State Police have released several updates since the discovery. According to a press release found on the police department’s website, forensic evidence suggests that Ava’s death was accidental. However, investigators have not completely ruled out any possibility of homicide. “We are thoroughly examining all aspects of this case to ensure that we understand the circumstances surrounding Ava’s death,” the police chief said in the release.

The investigation also involves reviewing surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras and public spaces in the park. The local news outlet reported that the footage may show individuals approaching the park on the morning of September 22. Police are currently working to identify any potential suspects, though no one has been charged yet.

Community Response

The funeral drew attention to the broader issue of child safety in public spaces. Local city council members, who were present at the service, pledged to allocate additional funding for park safety measures, including increased lighting and more frequent security patrols. “We cannot allow such a tragedy to happen again,” said councilmember Angela Ruiz. “We will work to make our parks safe for every child.”

The park’s management also announced a new initiative called “Safe Kids Brookside,” aimed at educating parents about the importance of childproofing play areas and recognizing potential hazards. The program includes free safety workshops and the distribution of child safety kits to families in the area.

Memorials and Ongoing Support

In addition to the funeral, several local organizations have stepped forward to support the Thompson family. The Brookside Community Foundation has established a scholarship fund in Ava’s name for children pursuing studies in early childhood education. The Indiana Children’s Hospital has offered the family counseling services and a private meeting with pediatric specialists to address the grief and trauma that the family is experiencing.

A memorial garden has also been planned within Brookside Park, where a small statue of Ava will be placed near the playground. The garden will be tended by volunteers, ensuring that the memory of the little girl remains a part of the park’s landscape.

Conclusion

The funeral of Ava Jordan at Brookside Park has not only served as a closure for her grieving family but also sparked a renewed focus on child safety and community vigilance. While the investigation into her death continues, the outpouring of support from local officials, community members, and organizations highlights the collective desire to prevent future tragedies. As the city moves forward with new safety initiatives and memorial projects, the memory of Ava serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding the youngest members of our society.