In the late afternoon of Saturday, February 7, 2026, the community of Washington, Indiana, was shaken by an act of violence that claimed the life of 51-year-old Phillip Waggoner. A White/Caucasian male, Waggoner was a lifelong resident of the town, a familiar face to many. Known for his complex personality, he was a man who carried his life experiences with strength and honesty. To the world of mixed martial arts, he was "Phill the Pain," a fighter with a warrior's spirit.
But to those who knew him best, he was a man who found peace in kayaking, gardening, and spending time with his beloved family and pets.
The events that led to his untimely death unfolded around 3:33 p.m. in the area of Southwest 1st Street and Dewey Avenue. First responders were dispatched to the scene following reports of multiple gunshots. Upon their arrival, they discovered Waggoner suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he was later pronounced deceased.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement detained a suspect at the scene. The individual was identified as 21-year-old Ashton Baxter, also from Washington. Baxter was subsequently arrested and is facing charges of murder and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with multiple agencies, including the Washington Police Department, Daviess County Sheriff's Office, and Indiana State Police, collaborating on the case.
Phillip Waggoner is survived by his wife, Celia, his children, and an extended family of siblings and grandchildren. His passing has left a void in the lives of his loved ones and the community that knew him.
