Fremont County Coroner says contract autopsies for other counties have brought in $70K so far this year

(Lander, WY) – Fremont County Coroner Erin Ivie offered a monthly update from her office during this week’s Fremont County Commission meeting.

So far this year, she said her office has responded to 154 cases – up by 24 compared to last year. 

Natural deaths are up by 11 compared to 2023, she said, while suicides are up by five and accidental deaths and homicides are each up by four.

There have been nine traffic fatalities in Fremont County so far this year, Ivie said. 

Autopsies

Thirty-one autopsies have been completed for the Fremont County Coroner’s Office in 2024, Ivie said, and an additional 40 autopsies have been completed for contracting counties, bringing in more than $70,000 in revenue, with seven cases pending completion.

She noted that autopsies cost her office about $1,500, and contracting counties pay a minimum of $1,925 per autopsy – though the charge can be as high as $5,000 depending on the case. 

Commissioner Mike Jones wondered whether the coroner’s office should charge contracting counties more money for autopsies, but Ivie pointed out that it’s important to “be competitive with surrounding states” that also offer autopsy services.

Fremont County currently has no unidentified decedents, Ivie said, thanking the commission for supporting the purchase of a fingerprint scanner that has helped to identify five individuals so far this year. 

For more information call the Fremont County Coroner’s Office at (307) 856-7150.