2018 was a VERY busy year to say the least. As you know we can never predict how busy or slow a year will be. The best I can do is be prepared for anything and everything. In 2018 I investigated a total of 61 deaths. This means that I was notified of an unattended death and traveled to the scene and conducted an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death; by interview of witnesses, scene examination, physical examination, toxicology, and in some cases, autopsy.
In addition, 84 reports of death under hospice or nursing care were reported to my office and reviewed by paperwork only.
In 2018, I certified a total of 44 Missouri Death Certificates. This means that of the 61 I investigated, 17 revealed natural causes readily enough that I allowed the decedent’s primary care physician to sign the Death Certificate.
I attended two trainings related to death investigation, and for the first time ever, provided a Death Investigation training course for law enforcement in our County. I plan to continue this every year and expand to include first responders next year.
The determination of what level of investigation is necessary is taken with the utmost of care. Many times a physical examination, review of available medical records, and blood work will reveal the answer and this is enough. You can imagine though that when the death is accidental, or in times I can predict litigation regarding a death, I must have irrefutable scientific evidence. The County cannot afford for me to be wrong or take guesses. In these cases unfortunately, an autopsy is warranted for the protection of all. While I hope to go to that extreme as infrequently as possible, it is there when we need it.
In EVERY case, please know that the decedent is under my personal supervision and care at all times and the highest degree of professionalism and reverent demeanor is used. I would not EVER let it be otherwise.
I have been your Coroner now for 2 years as of today. In these 2 years, I have not missed a call – I have responded to 100% of my calls personally, without the use of a deputy even once. One is trained and ready should I need him, but I have made it my top priority to serve you by being available at ALL times. I believe that is the job you elected me to do.
A few exciting updates are planned for this office in 2019. You are always welcome to contact me 24 hours a day with any questions. In the meantime, just know that I am continually grateful for the chance to serve in this office, and I will always do so to the very best of my ability.
I wish you all a very happy and safe 2019.
Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner
