BROWNSBURG — Brownsburg Police say a woman died Wednesday after she went into a creek to save her granddaughters.
Captain Jennifer Barrett says the granddaughters entered the creek at Arbuckle Acres Park to save their puppy around 4:45 p.m.
Family members have identified the grandmother as Christine Bright.
Bright's daughter, Emilie Shea, said her mother died a hero.
"She was my best friend and has always sacrificed for me and my girls," Shea said. "This was just her last act of sacrificial love. She loved deeply and truly. And I'm completely blessed to be her daughter."
The family's pastor, Tim Bryan, tells WRTV that Bright was there with her family scoping out the park - where they were planning to hold a birthday party this weekend.
Bright made it to shore and collapsed, according to police. The granddaughters were not physically injured and are in good health.
Barrett says Bright may have had a medical event that led to her collapsing, but her official cause of death has not been released.
"The grandmother is a hero and seemingly this was her last self sacrificing deed prior to passing," Barrett said in an email.
WRTV has learned the puppy, Lily, was found but is not alive.
The family's church, LifeWay Apostolic Church, is collecting donations to help the family with funeral and other expenses.
Donations for the family can be made to:
LifeWay Apostolic Church
7754 Cobblesprings Dr.
Avon, Indiana 46123
Special Note: Christine Bright Memorial Fund
-
James Whitcomb Riley School cafeteria manager inspiring students through art
At James Whitcomb Riley School 43, lessons don’t just happen in the classroom. Students are also discovering art in the cafeteria — thanks to a familiar face behind the lunch line.
Operation Indy Animals offers free spay, neuter services
Operation Indy Animals is a coalition of animal welfare organizations that create solutions to address and improve what is considered a crisis within shelters.
A look at the new IU Health downtown hospital
The new IU Health downtown hospital is currently under construction. The 16 story building will combine University and Methodist hospitals.
ISP trooper injured in I-65 crash involving suspected drunk driver
An Indiana State Police trooper was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries Thursday night after a suspected drunk driver struck her patrol car on Interstate 65 south of downtown Indianapolis.
