vanderburgh-county-prosecutor

The Vanderburgh County prosecutor has declined to file charges in the March 2023 death of Deputy Asson Hacker, who died during a training event known as the “Big Fight” at Club Bushido in Evansville.

Published reports in the Evansville Courier and Press say that an Indiana State Police investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by instructors, according to Prosecutor Diana Moers.

Hacker’s wife has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the event was more of a hazing ritual than legitimate training and that Hacker did not receive immediate medical attention. However, Moers said video footage shows Hacker received medical treatment at the first sign of distress.

The coroner attributed his death to exertional sickling due to the sickle cell trait. The case is ongoing.