(Lander, WY) – The Fremont County Coroner’s Office gave its monthly update at the Fremont County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
The following data is as of June 15, with two cases pending toxicology/autopsy.
In 2024, there have been 75 coroner cases, compared to 72 at the same time in 2023. Case numbers are a bit up with accidental deaths at 18, one more than in 2023 for the same time period. Five suicides for this period, compared to three at this time in 2023. Seven homicides, compared to two for the same period in 2023. Natural deaths are at 42 compared to 49 during this same time period in 2023. No cases have been ruled undetermined compared to one undetermined in 2023.
Accidental deaths that are not traffic-related are higher than in previous years, with 6 acute toxicity deaths (1 alcohol, 1 fentanyl, 1 mixed opioids, 3 methamphetamine), 4 falls, 3 asphyxia, 2 drowning and 1 hypothermia death(s). There have been two accidental vehicular deaths. Both are drug and/or alcohol related.
There have been 19 autopsies performed for Fremont County (all but one at their facility). 15 autopsies have been performed for out-of-county cases since the beginning of the calendar year (27 for the fiscal year). Counties using their facility include Big Horn, Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Teton, Uinta, Weston and Natrona. This calendar year, their office has billed $31,200 for services and $55,300 for the fiscal year. As of July 1, Natrona will be using their facility exclusively due to the retirement of Dr. Hobbe in Rapid City, SD.
The Coroner’s office is projected to be 95 percent of the total budget at the end of the fiscal year.
For more information, call the Coroner’s Office at (307) 856-7150.