The Coroner's Office investigates all sudden and/or unattended deaths throughout the county. Through an investigation, a determination is made as to the cause and the manner of death. The Coroner's Office is also responsible for the identification of the deceased; notification of a death to the family; performing autopsies; initiation of the death certificate; distributing accurate and timely information to family members, law enforcement agencies, health care professionals, insurance companies, and the public through the media and news releases; assisting mortuaries in facilitating final arrangements; and testifying in civil and criminal proceedings.
The following deaths are reportable to the Coroner’s Office:
- Deaths within 24 hours of admission to a hospital.
- Deaths in which a physician is not in attendance or has not been in actual attendance of the decedent within thirty days prior to death.
- Deaths that occur in a hospital emergency department.
- Traumatic, chemical or violent deaths (homicidal, suicidal, or accidental).
- Deaths occurring in a hospital operating room.
- Deaths associated with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
- Deaths in which the attending physician is unable to certify the cause of death.
- Deaths due to unexplained cause or under suspicious circumstances.
- Deaths suspected to be due to infectious or contagious disease wherein the diagnosis and extent of disease are undetermined at the time of death.
- Any sudden death of a person in apparent good health.
- Deaths of individuals who were in the custody of law enforcement officials or who were incarcerated in a public institution.
- All newborn infants who die within 24 hours of birth regardless of the duration of life.
- Any fetal death due to or as a consequence of criminal abortion.
Every death that occurs outside of a hospital or nursing home is reportable to the Coroner’s Office.
Any death in which there is a question as to whether or not it is a Coroner’s case should be reported.
It should be emphasized that, although a particular death may be “reportable” to the Coroner’s Office, an autopsy may not be necessary, depending upon the circumstances.
In 2009, there were 1208 deaths reported to the Coroner's Office. Of the 1208, 163 were autopsied. The total number of deaths in county was 1946. Complete yearly statistics can be viewed in the Annual Reports below.
2009 Annual Report (714 kb)
2008 Annual Report (771 kb)
2007 Annual Report (710 kb)
If you have more questions please contact our office.