On September 12, 2019 at 9:18 AM I was called to a residence just outside of Adrian. An occupant of a residence had discovered a male deceased in a vehicle outside his residence. After a thorough investigation by Bates County Sheriff’s Office detectives, Adrian Police Department and myself, the decedent was removed to the Coroner’s office for further investigation. The cause of death was determined to be accidental in nature.
On September 16, 2019 at 10:40 PM I was called to the Bates County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department per protocol. A 58 year-old gentleman was pronounced in the ER after experiencing a natural event at his residence. Investigation revealed the death was due to natural causes.
On September 26, 2019 at 9:05 PM I was called to a rural residence southeast of Butler. A 71 year-old gentleman had passed away at his home with investigation determining a death due to natural causes.
Thus for January 1, 2019 through October 15, 2019, statistics are as follows:
Manner of Death is Natural in 60% of cases this year; accidental in 33%; suicide in 5%; and homicide in 2%.
The Cause of Death has been positively identified by External Examination in 18 cases; complete autopsy in 9 cases; Toxicology & Chemistry have assisted in 31 cases. Four cases have elected to become tissue & organ donors when eligible.
The leading cause of natural death is acute myocardial infarction, followed by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and chronic kidney failure. In non-natural deaths, drug overdose continues to be the leading cause; followed by motor vehicle accident-related deaths.
As of October 15, 2019, I have certified a total of 39 Missouri Death Certificates. (In some cases, the death certificate was completed by the decedent’s attending physician).
These are the current statistical standings of the Bates County Coroner’s Office. It is an honor and duty to serve the public as Coroner, and I welcome any questions at any time: (660) 679-0009 or email: greg@batescountycoroner.com.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg D. Mullinax
Coroner of Bates County
