2022-05-03 Coroner UpdateCoroner Update
May 3, 2022
11:30 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, Warren McLeod, Dana Tucker
Guest(s): Nic Scott
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Warren McLeod said his April meeting was rescheduled due to a body that was gassing. This required a
special hazmat team from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to help secure the area.
Warren provided the following year-to-date statistics:
• 320 total deaths year-to-date
• 1 homicide
• 3 suicides
• 14 accidental deaths
• 4 undetermined deaths
• 4 pending
YTD Budget:
Warren said cases do not have a schedule and cannot be predicted. Any person that passes away, unless
that person is pre-registered with hospice or has a do not resuscitate (DNR), will be examined by the
Coroner’s Office. Each case is different and some case can take more time due to their location within
Lewis County. Dana Tucker said she estimates approximately 80% of deaths the Coroner’s Office
investigates are drug-related. Warren provided a cost analysis for decedent removal. He said having
mortuary contract removal services saves on costs compared to having the Lewis County Coroner’s
Office provide the service due to the equipment needed to purchase. Warren estimates needing a
budget amendment for the overtime in the second quarter. Warren said they will be sending one person
to the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME) conference in July. Lewis
County averages three deaths per day. Both Warren and Dana explained that casual help had a higher
call load due to an associate being on FMLA.
Meeting ended at 12:06 p.m.