The Butler University student Sam Fingard passed away after falling from Butler’s parking garage.
A Chicago, Illinois, resident, Sam was pursuing a master’s degree at Butler University’s Lacy School of Business.
Highlights
- On March 25, 2025, Butler University student Sam Fingard jumped from the sixth floor of the Butler Campus parking garage and was announced dead at the hospital.
- Sam Fingard was born to his father, Richard Fingard, and his mother, Kara Fingard. His father was an associate attorney at Katten Muchun Rosenman LLP and a corporate counselor at Charles Schwab.
- Fingard grew up with his younger sister, Dani Fingard, a Lane Technical High School cheerleader.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he was the head of concessions at CAFE OLIVIA Limited from May 2020 to September 2022.
He was a freelance graphic designer for Upwork from January 2020 to December 2022.
Sam also served as a part-time student technician at Butler University for 9 months and as an academic technology student lead from August 2023 to May 2024.
Before passing, he was a part-time concessions worker at Wrigley Field Kosher Stand.
Sam Fingard passed away After falling From Butler Campus Parking Garage
Butler University student Sam Fingard committed suicide by jumping from the sixth floor of Butler’s parking garage on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services were on scene and immediately transported Fingard to a local hospital in critical condition. However, he was declared deceased at the hospital.
The IMPD is investigating Fingard’s death with assistance from the BUPD.
BUPD issued a Dawg Alert at 2:16 p.m., instructing Butler community members to avoid the area of the parking garage due to police activity.
At 4:28 p.m., another Dawg Alert stated that the parking garage was reopened, and access was no longer restricted.
In an email to the Butler community, Dr. Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for DEI and Student Affairs, announced Sam’s death. Marbury said that no foul play is suspected.
IMPD said that the Marion County Coroner’s Officer will determine the exact cause and manner of death.
When asked for comment, BUPD Chief of Police John Conley referred the Collegian to Marbury’s statement to the community; representatives for the university referred the Collegian to IMPD.
Southern University graduate Christian McCoy took to his official Facebook handle and poured a tribute to Sam by stating,
The Butler University community is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Sam Fingard, a sophomore student who tragically ended his life in Indianapolis.
Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Sam’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment. Rest in Peace, Sam Fingard.
Sam Fingard Leaves His Parents and Younger Sister Behind
Sam Fingard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard Fingard and Kara Fingard.
His mother, Kara, lives in Chicago, Illinois, went to Parkway North High School, and graduated from Indiana University.
On the other hand, his father, Richard, is originally from Deerfield, Illinois. According to his LinkedIn profile, Richard was an associate attorney at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and a corporate counselor at Charles Schwab.
From June 2018 to October 2020, he served as OCC’s full-time director and senior counselor. In October 2021, he joined StoneX Group Inc. as a senior counselor and left in December 2024.
Currently, Kara and Richard are mourning the tragic loss of their son, Sam Fingard.
In addition, Sam Fingard has a sister named Dani Fingard, who went to Lane Technical High School, where she served as a cheerleader. Later, she studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Additional Information
- Richard Fingard earned his bachelor’s degree from Gies College of Business, a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Sam Fingard was set to graduate from Butler University in April 2027.
