2024-06-04 Coroner UpdateCoroner Update
June 4, 2024
11:30 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Coroner
Warren McLeod
Guest(s):
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None.
Coroner Warren McLeod said his office has responded to 393 deaths year to date, including the
following:
• 3 homicides.
• 7 suicides.
• 15 accidental deaths.
• 2 undetermined deaths.
• 10 drug-related deaths.
• 6 pending cases, 5 of which likely are drug related.
Warren discussed decedent removals. He discussed an Excel sheet outlining savings Lewis County has
realized by performing its own decedent removals versus contracting out. Warren said year-to-date
savings total $21,024. Warren said his office will be looking to add additional removal techs to the office.
Warren discussed the passage of House Bill 1974, which decreases transference requirements from 90
days to 45. Warren said there were efforts to add coroner and medical examiner staff to a recent PTSD
bill but that time constraints prevented passage during the 2024 Legislative session. Warren said his
office will be working on the topic for the 2025 legislative year.
Meeting adjourned at 11:39 a.m.