On May 22, 2025, the communities of Rockport and Huntingburg, Indiana, were shaken by the sudden and tragic death of 29-year-old Stanley Kepley III. Kepley, a former South Spencer High School student, was found unresponsive on the front porch of a residence in the 600 block of South Main Street in Huntingburg. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Authorities were dispatched to the residence around 1:28 p.m. after a concerned caller requested a welfare check, having not heard from Kepley in over 24 hours. Upon arrival, officers discovered Kepley with severe injuries to his arm. Emergency responders from the Huntingburg Police Department, Huntingburg Fire Department, Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators, Deaconess Memorial Ambulance and EMTs, and the Dubois County Coroner’s Office were all involved in the response.
The Huntingburg Police Department has stated that no foul play is suspected in Kepley’s death. The injuries sustained are believed to be self-inflicted. An autopsy was scheduled for May 23, 2025, to determine the exact cause of death.
Kepley was known in his community for his creativity and kindness. Born and raised in Rockport, Indiana, he was the eldest son of Stanley Kepley Jr. and Marie Thompson. From a young age, Kepley exhibited a deep passion for the arts, often spending hours sketching and drawing. At South Spencer High School, he was active in the arts, playing tenor saxophone in the school band, contributing illustrations to the yearbook, and participating in the drama club.
After high school, Kepley briefly attended the University of Southern Indiana to pursue a degree in graphic design. However, he faced challenges transitioning to college life, battling anxiety and depression. Over the years, he held various part-time jobs in Rockport and Jasper, including work as a bookstore clerk, night stocker at a grocery store, and most recently, as a freelance illustrator and sign painter. Despite facing economic and emotional challenges, those close to him remember him as a kind and fiercely loyal friend.
The news of Kepley’s passing has deeply affected the communities of Rockport and Huntingburg. A small memorial has been set up on the porch where his body was found, with candles, flowers, and hand-written notes left by those who knew him. The South Spencer High School alumni group has announced plans for a scholarship in Kepley’s name, aimed at supporting students pursuing careers in the arts or those who have overcome personal adversity.
Funeral services for Stanley Kepley III are scheduled to be held at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mental Health America of Southwestern Indiana or the Spencer County Arts Council.
The Huntingburg Police Department has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Stanley Kepley III and urges anyone experiencing symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts to seek help. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and Be Well Indiana (dial 2-1-1 and select option 3) are available 24/7 for support.
Kepley’s life, marked by creativity and compassion, serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for community support. His legacy will continue through the memories of those who knew him and the initiatives established in his honor.