2023-03-07 Coroner UpdateCoroner Update
March 7, 2023
11:32 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Warren McLeod, Stephen Wilson, Nic Scott
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None.
Warren McLeod said there have been 175 cases year-to-date that have included:
• 7 deaths within the last 24 hours
• 2 homicides
• 3 suicides
• 10 accidental deaths
• 0 undetermined
• 16 autopsies
• 7 confirmed drug-related deaths and 4 pending toxicology that are believed be drug-related
overdoses
Warren said there is a shortage of licensed pathologists in Washington State. Warren said his office
partners with E-care Mortuary and the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s (ME) Office. Warren said
the costs associated with having autopsies performed by the Snohomish County ME include $1300 for
each autopsy with up to $2000 extra charges for extenuating circumstances (infant/child related
deaths), and $450 for transporting round trip with E-care mortuary. Warren said the average charge for
X-rays is $600 and X-rays are required when foreign metals are present. Warren said Lewis County has
law enforcement present for autopsies and would be included on autopsies with Snohomish County ME
as well.
Warren said the indigent cremation fund has been utilized for the year. Warren said there are three
bodies pending cremation.
Meeting ended at 11:54 a.m.