Marion County’s new Coroner Claude Howell has issued his first annual report showing 415 deaths during 2024. That’s down three deaths from the prior year.
Howell says the main cause of death last year was from cancer. 100 deaths primarily from a form of cancer were recorded.
There were six drug related deaths, up one from 2023. 12 other deaths were ruled accidental, including one from a traffic crash. That compares to 14 accidental deaths with five related to traffic in 2023.
Five deaths were ruled suicides, down one from the prior year.
Howell reports there were seven autopsies completed in 2024 to help determine the cause of death, down from 11 the prior year. There were three who donated their bodies for research, the same as the prior year.
As the year ended, the cause of three deaths were still pending toxicology results.
Howell says his staff is now in place including a weekend response staff. He is preparing to complete the 40 hour course of training for coroners.
The coroner’s office is located in the basement of the Marion County Public Service building and is open from eight to noon every day the courthouse is open.
