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Who was Avery McMillan?
Avery McMillan was a 20-year-old senior at Indiana University and a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She was described by her friends and family as a bright, kind, and caring person who loved to travel and explore new places. She had a passion for photography and journalism and hoped to pursue a career in media after graduation.
What happened to Avery McMillan?
On the morning of August 17, 2022, Avery McMillan was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a home in Bloomington, Indiana. The home belonged to the parents of Eric Montgomery, a 33-year-old man who had met McMillan earlier that day near campus. According to Montgomery, he and McMillan had sex in a parking garage before returning to his home, where they smoked marijuana and drank alcohol. Montgomery claimed that he noticed that McMillan was having trouble breathing and called 911. However, when the first responders arrived, they were unable to revive McMillan and pronounced her dead at the scene.
How did Avery McMillan die?
The cause of death of Avery McMillan was initially unknown, as the autopsy and toxicology results took several weeks to be completed. However, on October 13, 2022, the Monroe County Coroner’s Office announced that McMillan died as a result of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl toxicity. Fluorofentanyl and fentanyl are synthetic opioids that are extremely potent and dangerous, especially when mixed with other substances. It is unclear how McMillan ingested these drugs, whether intentionally or unknowingly, and whether Montgomery had any role in providing them to her.
What are the charges against Eric Montgomery?
Eric Montgomery was arrested on September 1, 2022, on a warrant for rape of a victim who is mentally disabled or deficient and furnishing alcohol to a minor. These charges stem from the evidence that McMillan was impaired and unable to consent to sexual activity with Montgomery, and that he provided her with alcohol despite knowing her age. Montgomery has a violent and criminal history, including previous arrests for marijuana possession, driving under the influence, domestic battery, and burglary. He is currently being held at $100,000 bail and has not entered a plea to the charges as of yet.
What is the reaction to Avery McMillan’s death?
The death of Avery McMillan has shocked and saddened the Indiana University community and beyond. Her sorority sisters, classmates, professors, and friends have expressed their grief and condolences on social media and in vigils. They have also called for justice and accountability for McMillan’s death and raised awareness about the dangers of sexual assault and drug abuse on college campuses. McMillan’s family has also issued a statement thanking everyone for their support and asking for privacy as they mourn their loss. They have also set up a memorial fund in McMillan’s name to support causes that she cared about, such as education, journalism, and animal welfare.
