Ethan J. Runnels

Ethan James Runnels 25, of Indianapolis disappeared in a White River canoe accident by Rocky Ripple on Feb 14th, 2009. He was pronounced dead when his body was found Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. Ethan was born in Indianapolis on March 16th, 1983. He attended North Central High School and the University of Indianapolis. A true nature lover, Ethan completed courses with Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School, as well as numerous Tom Brown, Jr. Tracker School courses. Last year, his appreciation of the outdoors led him to Montana where he participated in the six month Yamabushi Residency Program of the PAST Skills Wilderness School. Afterwards, Ethan rode his bicycle 2000 miles back to Indiana. His respect of the earth, awareness of nature, understanding of ancestral philosophy, and knowledge of wilderness survival skills inspired him to co-found the Eehsipana Urban and Wilderness Survival School in Indianapolis. In addition to his teaching at Eehsipana, Ethan was employed as a tree trimmer for Simple Man's Tree Service and as a housepainter for Paintworks. Prior to leaving for Montana, he worked as a bicycle mechanic at The Bike Line in Broad Ripple and then as a bike mechanic at Chalet Sports in Bozeman, Montana. Survivors include his parents, James and Joyce Runnels; sister, Kristan; grandmothers, Jane Watkins and Joan Runnels; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. A memorial service was held in February. Ethan's ashes are being scattered in locations important to him.