Tony Moravec
The Bartholomew County Coroner’s office said Thursday morning preliminary autopsy results indicate that Columbus businessman and philanthropist Tony Moravec died of natural causes.
Bartholomew County Coroner Clayton Nolting said the cause of death ruling is pending while the office awaits toxicology results, but there is nothing suspicious being investigated at this time. An autopsy was performed late Wednesday in Columbus.
Moravec, 72, owner of Blairex and Applied Laboratories, had attended the Republican election results watch party Tuesday night at the Factory 12 Loft in downtown Columbus, when he left to go to his truck in a nearby parking lot. He was found dead in his truck at about 10:30 p.m., according to the coroner’s office.
On Thursday, Columbus native and former Vice President Mike Pence said he and his wife Karen, who had attended the Columbus watch party along with Moravec, said they were heartbroken to learn of his death and expressed their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
“Tony Moravec lived the American dream and shared his success with the city and state he loved like few other Hoosiers. His generosity created opportunities across this community from commerce to education and left an indelible mark on Columbus, Indiana,” Pence said.
Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, tweeted Thursday, “We are mourning the loss of Columbus civic leader Tony Moravec, who passed away on Tuesday night. A successful businessman and generous philanthropist, Tony loved Columbus and improved his community in numerous ways. He will be deeply missed.”
