Coroner Duties

The Coroner's operateswith a twenty-four hour/seven-days a week responsibility. Receives notification of deaths from a wide range of resources, and determines whether a death is within the jurisdiction of the Coroner's Office. Conducts on-site investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding a death, including time and probable cause of death. Interviews, observes, and assesses first responders, and physicians, witnesses, survivors, and family members to obtain relevant medical history, chain of events or circumstances prior to the death. Handles and examines human remains to determine initial findings regarding cause and manner of death. Examines, documents, and collects personal effects for identification and evidence of decedent's lifestyle choices, psychological mindset, level of self-care, and information regarding next-of-kin. Gathers and transports human remains, personal effects, and evidence to the Lewis County Coroner's Office. Locates next-of-kin and makes in-person notification of the death. Writes complete and comprehensive investigative reports, as well as creating other documentation to justify determination of cause and manner of death.

The office is currently staffed by the Coroner, a Cheif Deputy Coronerand five partt-ime deputy coroners.