The cause of death has been revealed for a 75-year-old woman who died after a physical altercation with employees at a Tim Hortons in Indiana.
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Anita Grayson visited the Fort Wayne coffee shop shortly after 8 a.m. on May 13.
Authorities say an argument over her drive-thru order escalated into a confrontation that ultimately preceded her death.
According to the Allen County Coroner's Office, Grayson died from an "acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure in the setting of physical altercation."
Tim Hortons Incident Cause of Death Revealed
The coroner's office ruled Grayson's manner of death as "undetermined."
Officials said they could not determine whether the death should be classified as natural, accidental, or a homicide.
"Acute exacerbation means that the heart failure suddenly got much worse," Allen County Coroner Dr. E. Jon Brandenberger said.
"So, it's like an acute flare-up of congestive heart failure. Then that will cause symptoms and possibly lead to death."
According to reports, the confrontation began after a 20-year-old manager stepped in and asked Grayson to leave the restaurant.
Prosecutors Yet to Decide on Possible Charges
Investigators said a shift supervisor made physical contact with Grayson during the incident, allegedly escalating tensions.
Authorities claim Grayson then pushed and punched the employee "hard enough to leave scratches and send her glasses flying."
The manager reportedly pushed Grayson back, leading to a struggle that ended with both women on the floor and a chunk of the employee's hair being pulled out.
"The symptoms of congestive heart failure get worse when there is adrenaline flowing in a physical altercation, and then a sudden flare-up of the heart failure, which then can lead to symptoms, or hospitalization, and even death," Brandenberger added.
After the confrontation ended, Grayson reportedly sat at a table and made a phone call.
About 10 minutes later, she collapsed.
Paramedics performed "lifesaving measures" before transporting her to a hospital, where she later died.
Grayson's daughter, Tawnda Grayson, has called for the Tim Hortons employees involved in the altercation to be arrested. She argues that they were responsible for her mother's death.
No employees have been charged.
The Allen County Prosecutor's Office said it will review the coroner's final autopsy report before deciding whether criminal charges are warranted.
