Ex-Officio Coroner
Until 2025, in all counties with a population under 40,000, the Prosecuting Attorney performs the duties of county coroner. Coroners are responsible for investigating and determining the cause of death in unattended deaths (those occurring outside of a medical facility and/or not in the presence of medical personnel), suspicious deaths, deaths as a result of a violent crime, vehicular accident deaths, and other specific cases.
Our office does not provide or have access to official copies of death certificates; for a copy of a death certificate, contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records Office.
Our office has elected not to take jurisdiction in cases where the deceased was a hospice or other end-of-life care patient (unless other suspicious circumstances are present) in order to minimize disruption and to respect the peace and comfort of grieving family members. See our Hopsice and End-of-Life Care Policy here.