This isn’t just Mitchell’s story.
It’s a call to action.
Without accountability, there can be no justice. Without justice, there can be no change.
STORY
A Life Lived Full,
A Legacy That Leads
Mitchell Sterling was a son, brother, nephew, cousin and loyal friend. He was known for his wide smile, quick wit and a heart that made everyone around him feel included. Mitchell's calm resilience when faced with obstacles, was one of his most impressive strengths. He was a true inspiration to his family and friends.
Climbing Patagonia and Mount Hood, getting his pilot's license and traveling the world were a few of Mitchell's big dreams. He was a talented athlete who played varsity tennis and ran hurdles on the track team. He was also a good student and planned on following his brother to Indiana University.
When Mitchell set goals, he followed through with humility, determination and humor. Just weeks before losing his life, Mitchell had mapped out a plan for climbing Mount Hood the following summer, had just signed up for flight school and won the sectional championship and earned an all state honorable mention for his tennis season.
At just 16, his life was rich with purpose, faith, love and a boundless future, only to be cut short by the careless actions of another.
A group of Mitchell’s closest friends reflect on the night of the accident and the kind of person he was—a storyteller, an adventurer, a loyal friend.
“He was here. He made an impact during his time. He wasn’t just here and then gone. There’s stuff to show for it.”
– Asher, Mitchell’s friend
THE NIGHT EVERYTHING CHANGED
On a quiet fall evening in Valparaiso, Indiana, Mitchell was waiting for a group of friends to arrive at his house. Excited to greet them, he hopped on his e-bike to meet them at the end of his long driveway. While waiting, he rode his bike out onto the straight, flat road a short distance and turned around to head back. His bike had reflectors and a headlight, and he was riding North in the proper lane when an SUV struck him from behind.
The impact was devastating. The bike was mangled, and the hood of the SUV was bent upward. Mitchell's resting place was estimated to be no less than 150 feet, half the length of a football field, from the point of impact. There were no skid marks because there was no attempt to stop or slow down.
The driver admitted to seeing a bicycle on the road, driving over the speed limit, and being on the phone at the time of the crash.
Despite these admissions, the police officer at the scene did not seek a warrant for the phone, nor did they consider the driver's speed. They did not search the vehicle or perform a toxicology test to screen for drug use. The police report was full of inaccuracies; therefore, the county prosecutor never opened a case.
The Sterling family left the hospital without their son. The driver left the scene without consequences.
WHY IT MATTERS
This tragedy could have been prevented.
And it should have been properly investigated.
The Sterling family is advocating for mandatory investigative protocols in the state of Indiana, including:
Phone Data Review
If phone use is suspected in a fatal or serious crash, officers should request the phone or pursue a warrant if the request is denied.
Toxicology Screening
Drug testing — beyond a breathalyzer — should be required following any crash that results in death or serious bodily harm.