As your candidate for Coroner, I believe in clear, transparent communication about the important responsibilities we all share under Washington law.
When Must a Death Be Reported to the Coroner?
Under RCW 68.50.010, the Coroner or Medical Examiner has jurisdiction over deaths that are:
- Sudden or unexpected — for example, a person who appeared in good health with no medical attendance in the preceding 36 hours.
- Caused by unnatural, unlawful, or violent means.
- Suspicious or due to unknown or obscure causes.
- The result of accidents, including drowning, burns, gunshot wounds, and similar incidents.
- Occurring in jail or prison, or involving unclaimed bodies.
In practice, this means that anyone who discovers or knows of a body that may fall into these categories must promptly report it to the Coroner/Medical Examiner — or to law enforcement. The law explicitly allows notification to law enforcement as an alternative, but the Coroner's office ultimately holds jurisdiction over these cases.
Important note: Failure to report a death when you have no reason to believe that notice has already been given is a misdemeanor.
Why This Matters
These requirements protect families, ensure thorough and impartial investigations, and help prevent overlooked crimes or safety issues in our communities. Washington's coroner laws have provided this framework in various forms since the early 20th century, with updates to meet modern needs. You can find helpful summaries of these rules in county coroner resources, such as Skagit County's overview of Washington coroner laws.
Moving Forward Together
As Coroner, my commitment is to serve with professionalism, compassion, and strict adherence to these laws — while making the process as clear and supportive as possible for those who find themselves in difficult situations.
If you ever face questions about reporting a death or need guidance on the process, reach out to the Coroner's office. Knowledge and prompt action help us all.