MARION, Ind. — The Marion community is in shock after 25-year-old Marion Health Police Officer Ronnell J. Johnson died Sunday morning from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound while on duty inside the hospital he swore to protect.
Indiana State Police say the tragedy unfolded just after 6:00 a.m. on November 30, 2025, when Officer Johnson was handling his personally owned handgun in a secure area of Marion Health. The firearm discharged round struck him; despite an immediate and heroic response from hospital trauma staff, fellow officers, and paramedics already on scene, Johnson could not be saved.
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He was pronounced dead a short time later by the Grant County Coroner.
“Ronnell was the kind of officer every department dreams of—professional, respectful, calm, and truly kind,” said Marion Health Police Chief Michael Ross. “He had that rare ability to make frightened patients feel safe and frustrated visitors feel heard. We’ve lost a brother, and this hospital has lost part of its soul.”
Only on the job for two years, Johnson quickly became known for his brightening long shifts with his smile and quiet sense of humor. Colleagues say he volunteered for the toughest posts—psychiatric ward details, late-night ER surges—because he believed that’s where he could help the most.
“Kid was 25 going on 45 in the best way,” one veteran officer posted on social media. “Always early, always prepared, always had your back.”
The Indiana State Police are leading the investigation and have stressed the shooting appears entirely accidental. An autopsy is scheduled for early this week.
A procession of patrol cars from departments across Grant County escorted Johnson’s body from the hospital to the coroner’s office Sunday afternoon. Nurses, doctors, and patients lined the hallways in tears as the flag-draped stretcher passed.
Marion Health has lowered flags to half-staff and opened its chapel around the clock for anyone needing a place to grieve. Crisis counselors will remain on site all week.
Funeral arrangements are pending, but a GoFundMe verified by the department has already raised more than $37,000 for Johnson’s family.
“Officer Johnson gave his life protecting this hospital and the people inside it,” Chief Ross said. “Today, we protect his memory the same way—together.”
Services, when announced, are expected to draw hundreds of officers from across the state to honor a young man taken far too soon.