New South Carolina Law Means More Death Investigations
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler says a change in state law means his office investigated an average of one death a day in 2012.
Fowler says his office investigated 365 deaths last year, up 29 percent from 2011. Fowler says much of the increase is because of a new state law requiring coroners to investigate when hospital patients die within 24 hours of being admitted or within 48 hours of major surgery.
Fowler says his office investigated four homicides, 23 accidental deaths and 13 suicides in 2012. Deaths in all of those categories were lower than last year.
The coroner says five deaths last year still haven’t been classified because his office is awaiting test results and other information.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Popular Today
- Sony Sues CBS Over ‘Dismal’ Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune Revenue
- Tennessee Eyes Claims Denials, Florida Offers to Check Contracts with Adjusters in Wake of Hurricanes
- Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Cryptocurrency Theft, 4th Circuit Affirms
- The Data Behind Rising Homeowners Premiums: by Peril and by State
Popular This Month