Mission Statement

• To seek the truth
• To combine forensic science and medicolegal death investigation to determine the cause and manner of death
• To serve the community with professionalism and integrity

Vision Statement

The Natrona County Coroner's office works as a guardian angel to the health, safety, and welfare of our community. We constantly strive toward the goal of a safer and healthier state.

Origin of the Coroner

The office of the Coroner or "Crowner" dates back to medieval days when the crowner was responsible for looking into deaths to be sure duties were paid to the King. The coroner's primary duty in contemporary times is to make inquire into the death and to complete the death certificate.

What cases fit the definition of a Coroner’s case by Wyoming Statutes

Wyoming Statutes, Title 7, Chapter 4: County Coroners

7-4-104 Legal definitions:

(i) “Coroner case means a case involving a death which was not anticipated and which may involve any of the following conditions:

(iv) “Anticipated death” means the death of an individual who has been diagnosed by a physician acting within the scope of his/her license as being afflicted with an illness or disease reasonably likely to result in death, and there is no cause to believe the death occurred for any reasons other that those associated with the illness or disease;

(v) “Unattended” means the deceased had not been under the care of a physician or other health care provider acting within the scope of his license within (60) days immediately prior to the death.

The following types of death are reportable to the Coroner's Office immediately after expiration:

All deaths in which the attending physician or licensed care provider had not been in attendance of the decedent within 60 days immediately prior to the death.

All deaths resulting from an accident, suicide, homicide, violent or undetermined cause and manner. For example, falls, poisoning, industrial accidents, automobile accidents, automobile-pedestrian accidents, battered children, etc., should be reported.

We are notified of all deaths that occur in the emergency room. Not all are investigated, but a brief conversation with the emergency room physician would determine if the coroner is needed.

Deaths resulting from thermal, chemical or radiation injury.

All cases in which the cause is unknown and the attending physician is unable or unwilling to certify the cause of death.

All deaths due to unexplained causes or under suspicious circumstances.

The deceased was a prisoner, trustee, inmate, or patient of any county or state corrections facility or state hospital, whether or not the death is unanticipated.

Apparent drug or chemical overdose or toxicity.

Deaths resulting from a disease which may be hazardous, contagious, or which may constitute a threat to the health of the public (Infectious Disease Cases).

Sudden deaths of persons appearing to be in good health.

All cases in which trauma is, or may be associated with the death. Cases where the patient entered the medical facility due to trauma. Cases should be promptly reported even though death may be attributed only indirectly to the trauma.

All deaths while in custody of law enforcement officials or while incarcerated in a public institution.

Nothing should be removed or changed on the body of the decedent unless approved by the Coroner, or until the case is released by the Coroner. If changes are made, evidence may be removed inadvertently and questions raised by physician, families or attorneys may not then be able to be answered.
If the facility or physician is unsure as to whether a case is a Coroner case, call the Natrona County Coroner's office and we will be happy to provide you with a list of what is reportable. What is a reportable case and how cases are handled by the Coroner, may vary on your county Coroner's policy and procedures. Contact the Coroner in the county where you live with any questions.