2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Office of the Larimer County Coroner/
Medical Examiner
James A. Wilkerson IV, MD
Coroner/Chief Medical Examiner
1600 Prospect Park Way, Suite 101 • Fort Collins, CO 80525
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
Letter to Citizens ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Mission Statement and Function of the LCMEO .......................................................................................................2-5
Explanation of Data ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
General Information and Overall Death Statistics ....................................................................................................8-11
Suicide Statistics ..................................................................................................................................................... 13-19
Accident Statistics .................................................................................................................................................. 20-23
Homicide and Gun-Related Statistics ..................................................................................................................... 24-27
Overdose Deaths ..................................................................................................................................................... 29-31
Child Deaths ........................................................................................................................................................... 32-33
Unidentified Remains ............................................................................................................................................. 34-35
Public Administrator Cases & Exhumations .......................................................................................................... 36-37
Organ and Tissue Donations Statement ....................................................................................................................... 38
Budget – 10-County Comparison ................................................................................................................................ 39
Staff Organizational Chart ........................................................................................................................................... 41
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
James A. Wilkerson IV, M.D.
Coroner and Chief Medical Examiner
OFFICE OF THE LARIMER COUNTY CORONER/MEDICAL EXAMINER
1600 Prospect Park Way, Suite 101 • Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 970-498-6161 • Fax: 970-498-6170
To the Citizens of Larimer County,
The information you will find in this annual report has been gathered from records
held by the Larimer County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner, Donor
Alliance, and the State of Colorado Health Department. Our staff strives to serve
Larimer County with integrity and professionalism. It is our wish to provide the
public with the most up-to-date and complete information possible in a format that is
accurate and easy to read. Many of the statistics, charts, and graphs will vary year-to
-year, as trends are followed and new or different information is requested.
We hope these statistics will be of value to you. If you have any questions or need
any further information, please feel free to contact us.
James A. Wilkerson IV, MD
Larimer County Coroner
Chief Medical Examiner
1
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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.
The Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner operates as a separate and independent law enforcement agency. It is a
division of the Larimer County government and is funded through the Larimer County Commissioners by the citizens of
Larimer County. The Medical Examiner’s Office serves the residents of Larimer County by incorporating the fields of
medicine and forensic science to investigate any sudden and unexpected death, or those deaths that occur under violent
or suspicious circumstances. Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) 30-10-606 mandates that the Office of the Coroner
investigate any death where the cause of death is unknown. When necessary to determine the cause of death, an autopsy
can be ordered by the Coroner. Certain autopsies are mandated by Statute.
In early 2002, the Larimer County Medical Examiner's Office became the smallest county in the nation and the third
county in Colorado to attain national accreditation as a Medical Examiner's Office through the National Association of
Medical Examiners (NAME). This is a stringent accreditation of over 300 requirements which includes that a NAME
Office is run by a Forensic Pathologist/Medical Examiner, and at least one Investigator be certified through the
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). We have maintained NAME Accreditation continuously
since 2002. Our most recent inspection in mid-2020 found our office to be “exemplary” compared to offices throughout
the country.
The Coroner must be elected every four years. We are fortunate that for over 40 years, Larimer County has continually
elected a forensic pathologist/medical examiner as its Coroner, maintaining a professional medically-run office. Our
Larimer County Coroner/Chief Medical Examiner is James A. Wilkerson IV, MD. Dr. Wilkerson has over 29 years’
experience as a Forensic Pathologist and is triple-board certified in Forensic, Anatomical, and Clinical Pathology.
Forensic Pathology is the branch of medical science that is applied to the legal investigation of sudden, unexpected,
violent, or suspicious deaths. Also included in the Forensic Pathology partnership are Michael A. Burson, PhD, MD, and
Stephen J. Cina, MD, each of whom is a Forensic Pathologist/ Regional Medical Examiner.
The Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s staff includes a Chief Deputy Coroner/Chief Investigator and seven
full-time and two part-time Deputy Coroner/Investigators. All investigators are trained extensively in medicolegal death
investigation through ongoing education. All investigators are Certified Death Investigators through the Colorado
Coroners Association and are encouraged to complete the National Death Investigator certification process through the
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Completing our staff is the Administrative Office Manager, the
Administrative Assistant and three morgue dieners.
MISSION STATEMENT and FUNCTION OF THE
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
Duties of the Medical Examiner’s Office are dictated by CRS 30-10-606 and the National Association of Medical
Examiners (NAME). This includes:
• To be available to respond to a death scene, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
• To investigate the scene of death;
• To take all necessary steps needed to positively identify the decedent;
• To determine the date and time of death;
• To collect, preserve, and process pertinent evidence at the scene;
• To photograph, document, and/or sketch the scene;
• To remove the body from the scene in a dignified manner;
• To interview witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, neighbors, etc.;
• To compile and document information in unbiased, accurate, and complete reports;
• To assist at autopsy, which will ultimately determine the cause of death;
• To notify next-of-kin;
• To process and compare fingerprints from weapons and other items;
• To provide information and assistance to families;
• To interact with other Law Enforcement, governmental, and health agencies, i.e. police/ sheriff, fire, Emergency
Medical Services, attorneys, OSHA, FBI, Consumer Product Safety Commission, DEA, school districts, hospitals,
funeral homes, organ donation teams, etc.;
• To release information to public through press releases and/or media interviews;
• To provide testimony at depositions and in court;
• To provide training and education in the field of Death Investigation to other law enforcement, health, and
community service agencies.
MISSION STATEMENT and FUNCTION OF THE
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
3
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
The investigative and medical staff seek to find answers to the questions which are important to the decedent’s family,
involved law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, the judicial system, Consumer Product Safety Commission,
the Colorado Department of Health, and OSHA, to name a few. The pursuit of civil or criminal proceedings is in part
determined by the ability of the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death. This unique
makeup of job responsibilities means the Medical Examiner’s Office performs both a public service and a law
enforcement role that requires the Medical Examiner to scrutinize every death within the jurisdiction to determine the
events that led to that death.
The Medical Examiner’s Office also functions as an advocate for families by working with them to insure they are
notified of the death, relaying the medical information from autopsies, and placing families in touch with other agencies
that will assist in the grieving process. Many cases brought to the Medical Examiner’s office are dealt with in a routine
manner because the identity of the decedent is known, and next-of-kin can be readily contacted. However, there are
occasional cases that are difficult to resolve. In these deaths, one or more pertinent pieces of information are missing or
difficult to establish. Identification of the deceased may require locating dental records, fingerprints, or surgical records.
The decedent may not have next-of-kin, or the next-of-kin may be far removed and difficult to locate. These cases may
take more time, but the Medical Examiner’s staff will pursue any and all leads to resolve these issues.
The postmortem examination (autopsy) on each decedent includes the preservation of evidence, body fluids, and tissue
for microscopic examination, toxicological analyses, trace evidence analysis, and other tests deemed necessary.
Photographs are taken at autopsy both externally and internally and have value both as evidence and additional
documentation of cases.
The Medical Examiners and Investigators provide testimony at depositions and in court. The staff participates in
meetings with police, physicians, and attorneys (Prosecution and Defense) in a variety of criminal and civil cases.
Our office works closely with organ and tissue procurement teams in a cooperative effort to ensure that the decedent’s
wishes and those of their family are honored.
Death investigation requires frequent contact between our office and various media personnel. The staff is skilled in
responding to media inquiries that occur daily.
Deaths which fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner are defined by statute (CRS: 30-10-606) and include, but are not
limited to, the following circumstances:
• All victims of external violence, unexplained cause, or deaths with suspicious circumstances (including all actual
or suspected homicides, suicides, and accidents);
• Deaths where no physician is in attendance, or where, though in attendance, the physician is unable to certify the
cause of death;
• Deaths from thermal, chemical, or radiation injury, or death from any injury sustained prior to hospital admission;
MISSION STATEMENT and FUNCTION OF THE
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
• Deaths from criminal abortion, including any situation where such abortion may have been self-induced;
• Deaths from a disease which may be hazardous or contagious or which may constitute a threat to the health of the
general public;
• Deaths occurring while in the custody of law enforcement officials or while incarcerated in a public institution;
• When the death was sudden and happened to a person who was in good health;
• All “crib deaths” (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome);
• All patients that die within 24 hours of admission to a hospital or nursing home facility.
Investigators must participate in ongoing continuing education, including:
• Death Investigation Seminars and Certification
• Medical and Forensic Seminars
• Accident Investigation
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Evidence Collection and Preservation
• Medical Training
• Interviewing and Dealing with Grief
The Medical Examiner’s staff provides regular training and education to other law enforcement, health, and community
service agencies concerning the roles and functions of this office. In 2018, our Medico-legal Investigators conducted a
number of educational outreach training presentations to local agencies, schools, community service groups, and
individuals, including but not limited to:
• AIMS and Front Range Community College Peace Officer Academies
• Larimer County Victim’s Advocates
• Colorado Zero Suicide/Office of Suicide Prevention
• Rocky Mountain High School
• Poudre Valley High School
• Various individual meetings with students and citizens throughout the community.
We have also been asked to train other Coroners and Deputy Coroners throughout the State of Colorado as part of the
Colorado Coroner’s Association.
MISSION STATEMENT and FUNCTION OF THE
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
The Larimer County Coroner’s Office was established in 1881 and records have been kept continuously since.
The vast majority of information presented here has been compiled from deaths that fell under the jurisdiction
of the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner during the 2020 calendar year. Many of the charts and
graphs include data from the last 5-10 years, as needed to show trends.
The geographic area served by the Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office includes 2,634 square miles,
which is located in the north central part of the state. Weld and Jackson Counties are to the east and west,
respectively, with Boulder County on the south and the State of Wyoming on the north. Larimer is the 6
th
largest county in Colorado, based on population. The population of Larimer County is approximately 345,000
and includes the cities and towns of Estes Park, Berthoud, Loveland, Ft. Collins, and Wellington. Small
communities such as Timnath, LaPorte, Bellvue, Drake, Glen Haven, Livermore and Red Feather Lakes are
also within the boundaries of Larimer County. The county extends to the Continental Divide and includes
much of Rocky Mountain National Park. Over 50% of Larimer County is publicly owned, most of which is
land within Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park. The County has two school
districts; Poudre School District R-1 and the Thompson Valley School district RJ-2. Larimer County has nine
(9) State highways, three (3) US highways, and one Interstate highway crossing through its boundaries.
The data in this report is summarized from individual cases under the jurisdiction of the Coroner/Medical
Examiner and presented here in aggregate form. Long term death statistics were gathered from Coroner’s
statistics over the last 10 (or more) years. Current yearly information and statistics were gathered from
deaths in 2020.
The “Undetermined” Manner of Death category includes deaths in which the manner could not clearly be
determined, as in some drug overdoses where there is no clear evidence as to whether the injury occurred with
intent or accidentally. Undetermined is also used for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS),
and in other cases, such as found skeletal remains, where no other clear manner of death can be determined.
It is the intention of the Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office to provide factual statistics and
information for and requested by the citizens of Larimer County. Graphs and tables, which display information
such as classification of death, drugs of abuse, death rates, and motor vehicle crash statistics have been
selected as those most likely to assist other agencies and individuals seeking statistical information.
Abbreviations are used for modes of death throughout the various charts and graphs in this report.
They are as follows:
• CO (carbon monoxide)
• GSW (gunshot wound)
• AH (asphyxia by hanging)
• MVC (motor vehicle crash)
• OD (overdose)
EXPLANATION OF DATA
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office requires all deaths within Larimer County to be reported to our office.
The only exception is fetal deaths under 21 weeks gestation, which do not fall under Coroner Statute. In 2020, the
total number of deaths reported to our office was 2,909. The Medical Examiner’s Office assumed jurisdiction in
1622 (55.8%) of these cases. Larimer County Medicolegal Investigators review medical information and conduct
necessary telephone interviews on all M.E. cases, and it was deemed necessary to respond to the death scene and
conduct a thorough medicolegal scene investigation in 448 of the 1622 cases. Out of these investigations, complete
forensic autopsies were performed in 223 cases (49.7%) of the accepted Coroner cases. Plus, in 29 additional cases,
only toxicology studies were deemed necessary. 24 cases were transferred back to the jurisdiction in which the event
originated. The remaining 173 cases not autopsied or tested for toxicology were those in which the scene
investigation, circumstances of death, medical documentation, interviews, social history, and/or external examination
of the body provided sufficient information for certifying the cause of death.
Cases in which jurisdiction was not assumed by the Medical Examiner (1287 deaths), were those individuals in
nursing homes, facility hospices, or hospital settings longer than 24 hours, and with a known fatal disease process
and no evidence of extenuating circumstances, thus enabling the primary physician to certify the cause of death
without Medical Examiner involvement. The following tables, graphs, and figures summarize all cases where the
Medical Examiner assumed jurisdiction.
TOTAL LARIMER COUNTY DEATHS
VS.
MEDICAL EXAMINER CASES IN 2020
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
MANNER OF DEATH
The Manner of Death is a classification of the way in which the Cause of Death came about, whether by force of natural events,
accidental means, self-inflicted wounds, or other external forces. Manner of Death is determined largely by means of the
investigation. There are only five (5) manners of death, listed below.
NATURAL - Death caused solely by disease. If natural death is hastened by injury or any other non-natural event (ex:
fall), the manner of death will not be considered natural. If the terminal disease process is caused by a non-natural
event (ex: pneumonia due to long-term bed confinement as a result of a motor vehicle accident), the manner of death
will not be considered natural. Most deaths are Natural deaths and over half occur in hospital or nursing home
setting and hence, do not fall under Coroner jurisdiction. Of the total 2,909 deaths in Larimer County in 2020, 2,651
were Natural deaths, meaning that only 258 deaths were not Natural events. Of the 2,651 Natural deaths, 1,364 had
had extenuating circumstances causing them to fall under Coroner’s jurisdiction.
UNDETERMINED - Manner assigned when there is insufficient evidence, or conflicting/equivocal information
(especially about intent), to assign a specific manner. In 2020, we had 8 deaths where Manner could not be
accurately determined. These are listed as Undetermined.
ACCIDENT - Death other than natural where there is no evidence of intent; i.e. an unintentional event or chain of
events. This category includes most motor vehicle accidents, falls, drowning, accidental drug overdoses, drug
reactions, etc. In 2020, we had 139 Accidents, 35 of which were motor vehicle fatalities.
SUICIDE - Death as a result of a purposeful action set in motion (explicit or implicit) to end one’s life. In 2020, there
were 80 deaths certified as Suicides.
(TRANSFERS) - Jurisdiction transferred back to the originating County where the injury occurred in 24 cases.
HOMICIDE - Death resulting from injuries intentionally inflicted by another person (explicit or implicit) or inflicted on
another by one’s grossly reckless behavior (does not include vehicular homicide). In 2020, there were 7 Homicides
in Larimer County.
MANNERS OF DEATH – 2020
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
In 2020, the Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office had a total of 2,909 deaths reported to us. Of these, 1,622
deaths fell under Coroner jurisdiction and required investigation. Of the 1,622 deaths, 1,364 were Naturals, 139
were Accidents, 80 were Suicides, 7 were Homicides, 24 were transferred back to the County of origin, and 8 were
classified as Undetermined. Of the 1,622 deaths, our 7 Medicolegal Investigators responded to and conducted
complete medicolegal investigations into 441 death scenes. The remaining 1,181 cases were home hospice or
hospital deaths falling under Coroner Statutes but determined to be death solely from Natural causes with no
suspicious or unusual circumstances. These deaths were investigated via telephone and medical record review.
Not every accident or suicide is necessary to autopsy. This usually occurs when the person has been a patient in a
hospital or nursing home and there is adequate medical history and a documented diagnosis which can eliminate the
need for an autopsy. However, a complete medicolegal investigation is still done.
Accidents: 139 total 88 autopsied; 8 toxicology only
38 - Falls
35 - Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC)
49 - Drug Overdose (OD)
01 - Drowning
08 - Asphyxia (mechanical, positional)
03 - Hypo/Hyperthermia
01 – Fire/Thermal
01 – Impalement
03 – Blunt Force
Suicides: 80 total 76 autopsied; 0 toxicology only
39 - Gun Shot Wound (GSW)
24 - Asphyxia by Hanging (AH)
05 - Drug Overdose (OD)
01 - Asphyxia (gas/hood)
01 – Ingested Batteries
00 - Pedestrian vs motor vehicle
00 – Pedestrian vs Train
03 – Knife
03 – Carbon Monoxide (CO)
04 – Jump/Fall
Homicides: 7 total 7 autopsied
05 - Gun Shot Wound (GSW)
02 - Knife
Undetermined: 8 total 7 autopsied
04 – Suicidal OD vs Accidental OD
02 – Suicide vs Natural
01 – SUID
01 – Accident
Naturals: 1,364 total 45 autopsied; 21 toxicology only
Transfer of Jurisdiction: 24 total
Total Forensic Autopsies Performed: 223
Toxicology-Only studies: 29
2020 YEAR - END STATISTICAL OVERVIEW
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
13
Alcohol and/or Drugs Present
(Includes over-the-counter and Rx meds,
recreational and illicit drugs)
Total 58/80 (72.5%)
ETOH 31/80 (38.8%)
THC 46/80 (57.5%)
Mode of Suicide
Gun Shot Wound (GSW) 39
Asphyxia by Hanging (AH) 24
Drug Overdose (OD) 5
Asphyxia by gas/hood 1
Jump from Height 4
Knife 3
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 3
Poison 1
80
Monthly Breakdown
Jan 5
Feb 7
Mar 7
Apr 10
May 6
Jun 7
July 9
Aug 11
Sept 4
Oct 4
Nov 4
Dec 6
80
Age
Average Age 40
Juvenile (<18) 1
Adult 79
Oldest: 86
Youngest: 16
Gender
Female 20
Male 60
Race
Asian 1
Hispanic 8
White 68
Mixed/other 3
Mental Health/Suicide Notes
Left note or other message: 20/80 (25%)
Prior ideation or attempts: 14/80 (18%)
Suicide is death caused by intentional, self-inflicted injuries. In Larimer County during 2020
there were 80 deaths by suicide. Death by Suicide comprised 4.9% of our investigated cases
and 2.7% of all Larimer County deaths.
2020 SUICIDE INFORMATION
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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2020 Suicides by Age and Gender Distribution
Suicide Totals - Last 10 Years: 2011 - 2020
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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2020 Suicides Distribution by Mechanism
Juvenile (<18) vs. Adult Suicides, 10 Years: 2011 - 2020
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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Alcohol and/or Drug-Related Suicides 2020
Mechanism of Juvenile Suicides—5 Years: 2016 - 2020
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN SUICIDE DEATHS – 2020
TOTAL: 40 out of 80 (50%)
# GENDER AGE MODE ALCOHOL PRIMARY DRUG(S) PRESENT
1 Female 58 CO .020 Amphetamine
2 Male 67 GSW
3 Female 57 OD Morphine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone
4 Female 24 GSW THC
5 Male 43 Hanging
6 Male 38 Hanging .198
7 Female 44 GSW THC
8 Male 16 Hanging THC
9 Male 21 GSW .060 Alprazolam, THC, Methamphetamine
10 Male 86 CO Temazepam
11 Female 25 OD Olanzapine, Gabapentin, Mirtazapine, THC
12 Male 25 GSW Cocaine, THC, Benzoylecgonine
13 Male 31 Hanging .269
14 Male 69 GSW
15 Male 49 GSW Steroids
16 Male 40 GSW .183
17 Male 42 GSW
18 Male 32 GSW THC
19 Female 20 OD Citalopram/Escitalopram, Propranolol
20 Female 41 GSW
21 Male 25 GSW .168 THC
22 Male 48 GSW .184
23 Male 40 Hanging .069 THC
24 Female 23 Hanging .224
25 Male 20 GSW LSD
26 Female 25 GSW .019 Clonazepam
27 Male 65 Hanging
28 Male 45 GSW .118 Amphetamine
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN SUICIDE DEATHS – 2020
TOTAL: 40 out of 80 (50%)
# GENDER AGE MODE ALCOHOL PRIMARY DRUG(S) PRESENT
29 Male 59 GSW .083
30 Male 24 Hanging .152
31 Male 78 GSW
32 Male 34 OD .070 Oxycodone
33 Male 23 GSW THC
34 Male 32 Hanging .130
35 Male 25 Hanging .019
36 Female 66 GSW
37 Male 24 Hanging .337 Diazepam
38 Female 32 Hanging .154 Diazepam, Cocaine
39 Male 31 GSW THC
40 Male 42 GSW .179
41 Male 34 GSW
42 Male 23 GSW .280 THC
43 Male 33 Hanging .029 Methamphetamine
44 Female 48 Knife THC, Hydroxyzine, Cyclobenzaprine
45 Male 36 GSW .187 Amphetamine, THC, Hydrocodone
46 Male 42 Hanging .038 Methamphetamine, THC
47 Male 80 GSW Oxycodone
48 Male 20 Hanging .143 THC
49 Male 81 GSW Phenobarbital
50 Male 35 GSW .074 Amphetamine
51 Female 38 Jump THC
52
Female 27 Hanging Methamphetamine, Buprenorphine
53 Male 25 Jump
54 Male 28 GSW Clonazepam, Alprazolam, THC
55 Male 56 Knife
56 Male 52 Hanging THC
57 Male 23 Jump .074 Lamotrigine
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN SUICIDE DEATHS – 2020
TOTAL: 40 out of 80 (50%)
# GENDER AGE MODE ALCOHOL PRIMARY DRUG(S) PRESENT
58 Male 33 GSW .196 THC
59 Male 35 GSW THC
60 Female 32 Asphyxia Methamphetamine, Methadone, EDDP
61 Male 64 GSW
62 Female 24 GSW
63 Male 47 GSW Midazolam
64 Female 70 Poison
65 Male 30 GSW .186 THC
66 Male 24 Jump
67 Male 46 Knife THC
68 Female 31 Hanging
69 Male 41 Hanging .066
70 Male 56 GSW .058
71 Male 68 GSW
72 Male 59 Hanging
73 Male 65 OD Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Duloxetine
74 Male 55 GSW Hydrocodone
75 Male 46 Hanging
76 Female 21 Hanging THC
77 Male 23 GSW
78 Male 37 CO
79 Male 23 Hanging .186 THC
80 Female 36 Hanging
Abbreviations used:
• CO = Carbon Monoxide
• GSW = Gunshot Wound
• OD = Overdose
• Asphyxia (other than hanging = huffing, mechanical, bag over head, etc.)
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
Accidental deaths are deaths other than natural where there is no evidence of intent; i.e. an
unintentional event or chain of events. This category includes most motor vehicle crashes
(MVC), falls, drowning, accidental drug overdoses (OD), choking, etc. During 2020, 140
deaths were certified in Larimer County as accidents.
35 of these deaths were from motor vehicle (or traffic) crashes (MVCs). Our statistical
information will deal first with the MVCs. The other 104 accidental deaths will be discussed
on page 26.
2020 ACCIDENT STATISTICS
In 2020, there were 35 motor vehicle fatalities in 33 crashes.
Out of the 33 crashes, 17 drivers of involved vehicles (52%)
were considered to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
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Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
21
Age
Average Age: 44.5
Juveniles (<18): 1
Adults: 34
Youngest: 17
Oldest: 84
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH FATALITIES (35)
Decedent’s Position in Vehicle
Driver: 26
Passenger: 5
Unknown: 0
Pedestrians hit by vehicle: 4
Bicyclists: 0
Safety Measures by Decedents
Seatbelt used: 11
Seatbelt NOT used: 11
N/A: ATV, scooter, or motorcycle: 9
N/A: Pedestrians/bicyclists hit: 4
Unknown: 0
Weather Related Adverse Road Conditions
Snow, Ice, and/or Strong Wind: 3
Time of Day:
Unknown AM: 0
Unknown PM: 0
00:01 - 06:00: 5
06:01 - 12:00: 5
12:01 - 18:00: 15
18:01 - 00:00: 10
Number of vehicles involved:
One vehicle only: 19
Two or more vehicles: 16
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
22
DRUG & ALCOHOL-RELATED MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES (MVCs) 2020
INCIDENT # GENDER AGE
# OF VEHICLES
INVOLVED
DRIVER(S) POSITIVE FOR
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
1
M
38
1 N
2 M 83 1 N
3 M 24 1 Y
4 F 69 1 N
5 F 17 2 N
6 F 25 2 Y
7 M 29 2 N
8 F 31 2 Y
9 M 48 1 N
10 F 22 1 Y
11 M 54 2 Y
12 M 36 1 Y
13 M 37 2 Y
14 M 68 2 N
15 M 45 1 Y
16 M 42 2 Y
17 M 69 1 N
18 M 22 1 Y
19 M 67 1 N
20 M 67 2 N
21 M 21 1 Y
22 F 52 1 N
23 F 44 3 N
24 M 25 1 N
25 F 39 1 Y
26 M 37 2 N
27 M 72 1 Y
28 M 64 1 Y
29 M 22 3 Y
30 M 84 2 N
31 M 51 2 Y
32 M 48 2 N
33 M 80 2 N
34 M 29 1 Y
35 M 26 1 N
Of the 33 TOTAL Motor Vehicle Crashes (with 35 fatalities), 17 deaths involved
drivers who tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
23
2020 ACCIDENTS (Excluding Motor Vehicle Crashes)
In 2020, Larimer County had 104 accidental deaths that were not traffic-
related. They are classified as follows:
Falls: 38
Drug Overdose (OD): 49
Choking on food/foreign object: 1
Asphyxia (mechanical, positional): 5
Drowning: 3
Blunt Force: 3
Impalement: 1
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: 3
Fire/Thermal injury: 1
Age:
Average Age: 54
Adults: 102
Juveniles (<18): 2
Alcohol and/or drugs found in system: 64/104 (62%)
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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Homicide is a death that results from injuries intentionally inflicted by another person (explicit or implicit) or
inflicted on another by one’s grossly reckless behavior. Vehicular homicides are NOT included in this
category, as these deaths do not show intent to kill and are hence counted in the Motor Vehicle Crash statistics.
In 2020, there were 7 homicide victims in Larimer County.
2020 HOMICIDE INFORMATION
**Alcohol/Drug-Related **
We do not report on alcohol or drugs in our homicide statistics, as we do not want any positive results
to imply fault on the part of the victim. The perpetrator is presumed innocent until proven guilty
and is HIPAA-protected.
RACE
White: 6
Hispanic: 0
Mixed/Other: 1
AGE
Average Age: 34
Adult: 6
Juvenile: 1
GENDER
Male: 6
Female: 1
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
25
2020 Total County Deaths: 2909
Total Gun Deaths: 44 (1.5% of all deaths)
Suicides: 39 (39 adults)
Accidents: 0
Homicides: 5 (4 adults)
Undetermined: 0
2019 Total County Deaths: 2632
Total Gun Deaths: 39 (1.5% of all deaths)
Suicides: 36 (36 adults, 1 juvenile)
Accidents: 0
Homicides: 3 (3 adults)
Undetermined: 0
2018 Total County Deaths: 2549
Total Gun Deaths: 48 (1.9% of all deaths)
Suicides: 40 (39 adults, 1 juvenile)
Accidents: 2
Homicides: 6 (4 adult, 2 juveniles)
Undetermined: 0
2017 Total County Deaths: 2554
Total Gun Deaths: 40 (1.6% of all deaths)
Suicides: 33 (33 adults)
Accidents: 0
Homicides: 6 (6 adults)
Undetermined: 1 (1 adult)
2016 Total County Deaths: 2507
Total Gun Deaths: 60 (2.4% of all deaths)
Suicides: 54 (52 adults, 2 juvenile)
Accidents: 0
Homicides: 6 (5 adults, 1 juvenile)
Undetermined: 0
GUN-RELATED DEATHS IN LARIMER COUNTY
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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JUVENILE (<18) DEATHS FROM GUNSHOT WOUNDS
2016 – 2020
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
27
2020
Suicides 0
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2019
Suicides 1
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2018
Suicides 1
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2017
Suicides 0
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2016
Suicides 2
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
GUNS IN THE HANDS OF JUVENILES
(Juvenile: < 18)
2015
Suicides 1
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2014
Suicides 0
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2013
Suicides 0
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2012
Suicides 0
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
2011
Suicides 1
Accidents 0
Homicides by Juveniles 0
Statistics below are to show deaths occurring at the hands of a juvenile with a gun during the
last 10 years. They include suicides, accidental shootings resulting in death, and homicides
perpetrated by a juvenile. They DO NOT include juveniles who are victims of homicide.
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS OF ABUSE IN OVERDOSE DEATHS
2016 – 2020
Most overdose deaths are a result of a combination of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications,
alcohol, and/or illicit drugs. We have chosen the PRIMARY drug(s) of abuse in each death.
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS OF ABUSE USED IN OVERDOSE DEATHS 2020
(Total 58)
Accidents
(49)
Gender Age Alcohol Drug #1 Drug #2 or more
1
M 35 Cocaine Heroin
2 F 17 Oxycodone
3
M 54 Methadone
4
M 21 Fentanyl Cocaine
5
M 44 Heroin Methamphetamine
6
F 41 Doxylamine Loperamide, Alprazolam
7
F 30 Heroin
8
M 29 Heroin Methamphetamine
9
M 34 Fentanyl
10
M 29 Heroin
11 M 39 Fentanyl Cocaine
12
F 28 .018 Heroin
13
M 39 Cocaine Heroin
14
M 26 .030 Fentanyl Cocaine
15
F 62 Methadone Methamphetamine
16
M 44 Fentanyl
17
M 34 Heroin
18
M 52 .088 Oxycodone Alcohol
19
M 30 Cocaine Fentanyl
20
M 45 .107 Heroin Methamphetamine
21 M 61 Hydrocodone Heroin, Fentanyl
22
F 59 Oxycodone Alprazolam, Fentanyl
23
M 49 .022 Heroin
24
F 54 Fentanyl Citalopram, Cyclobenzaprine
25
M 44 Fentanyl Methamphetamine
26
M 26 Mitragynine
27
M 47 Fentanyl Methamphetamine
28 M 52 .447 Alcohol Chlordiazepoxide
29 M 40 Fentanyl
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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DRUGS OF ABUSE USED IN OVERDOSE DEATHS 2020
(Total 58)
Accidents (49) Gender Age Alcohol Drug #1 Drug #2 or more
30 F 54 Diazepam Clonazepam
31 M 61 Codeine Oxycodone, Hydrocodone
32 M 48 Methamphetamine
33 M 24 Cocaine
34 M 26 .011 Cocaine
35 M 20 Y Benzodiazepines
36 M 33 Heroin
37 M 30 Fentanyl
38 M 54 Fentanyl Methamphetamine, Cocaine
39 M 42 Heroin Methamphetamine
40 F 37 Methamphetamine
41 F 30 Heroin Methamphetamine
42 F 38 Propranolol Verapamil
43 M 39 Methamphetamine
44 M 64 Oxycodone
45 M 40 Oxycodone Xanax
46 F 40 Methadone
47 F 29 Fentanyl Methamphetamine, Cocaine
48 M 22 .076 Heroin
49 M 20 Fentanyl
Suicides (5)
1 F 57 Topiramate Bupropion, Hydrocodone
2 F 25 Olanzapine Mirtazapine, Gabapentin
3 F 20 Citalopram Propranolol
4 M 65 Fentanyl Oxycodone, Codeine
5 M 34 .070 Oxycodone
Undetermined (4)
1 F 32 Heroin Methamphetamine
2 M 35 Quetiapine Olanzapine, Clonazepam
3 F 50 Clozapine Lamotrigine
4 M 28 Methamphetamine Heroin, Codeine
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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CHILD DEATHS BY AGE, MANNER, AND MODE
Last 5 years - < 18 years of age
2020 (11 Total) Natural Accident Suicide Homicide
SUIDS & Other
Undetermined
Fetal demise up to < 1 mo 6 1 - Unknown
1 mo < 1 yr 1 1 1 - Unknown
1 yr < 4 yrs 1
4 yrs < 9 yrs
9 yrs < 14 yrs
14 yrs < 18 yrs
TOTALS 7 1 1 2
2019 (16 Total) Natural Accident Suicide Homicide
SUIDS & Other
Undetermined
Fetal demise up to < 1 mo 1 1 – Unknown
1 mo < 1 yr 3 3
1 – SUIDS vs
Hypoxic
Encephalopathy
1 yr < 4 yrs 1
4 yrs < 9 yrs 1 1
9 yrs < 14 yrs 2
1 – Possible
Accident
14 yrs < 18 yrs 1
TOTALS 5 5 3 3
2018 (18 Total) Natural Accident Suicide Homicide
SUIDS & Other
Undetermined
Fetal demise up to < 1 mo 5
1 mo < 1 yr
1 - Co-Sleep/
Overlay
1 – SUID
1 yr < 4 yrs
4 yrs < 9 yrs 1-MVA
9 yrs < 14 yrs 1
1-Bike vs. Object
1-MV vs. Ped
1-GSW
14 yrs < 18 yrs 1 1-Drowning 2-GSW
TOTALS 7 7 1 2 1
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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CHILD DEATHS BY AGE, MANNER, AND MODE
Last 5 years - < 18 years of age
2017 (19 Total) Natural Accident Suicide Homicide
SUIDS & Other
Undetermined
Fetal demise up to < 1 mo 2
1 mo < 1 yr
2-Co-Sleep/
Overlay
1- Smothering 1-SUID
1 yr < 4 yrs 2 1-Drowning
1-SUID vs.
Vaccine Reaction
4 yrs < 9 yrs 1 1-Drowning
9 yrs < 14 yrs 1
14 yrs < 18 yrs 1
1 – OD
2 - MVC
1-Hanging
1-CO
TOTALS 7 7 2 1 2
2016 (18 Total) Natural Accident Suicide Homicide
SUIDS & Other
Undetermined
Fetal demise up to < 1 mo 4
1 mo < 1 yr 1-Blunt Trauma
1 yr < 4 yrs 2
4 yrs < 9 yrs 1-Drowning
1-Undetermined
(Natural vs.
Homicide)
9 yrs < 14 yrs
1
1-Drowning
1-Bike vs.
MV
14 yrs < 18 yrs
1 - OD
2-GSW
2-Hanging
1-GSW
TOTALS 7 4 4 2 1
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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UNIDENTIFIED REMAINS
The Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office currently has four (4) deceased individuals or remains
who are unidentified. These cases are described below, oldest to most recent.
1. Unidentified Hispanic Male: Date of Death: 09/16/94
Approximate Age: 25-35
Height: 5’10” Weight: 140 lbs.
Hair: Black, wavy, medium length Eye Color: Brown
Scars/ Tattoos: Well-healed, old traumatic scars on right lower back and right back hip.
Clothing: Blue nylon windbreaker with logo “ATA Services, Mile High Stadium”; gray/ white plaid
shirt; red long-sleeved sweatshirt; khaki trousers; black/ white canvas and vinyl athletic shoes. A
religious pamphlet was found in a pocket from the Jeremiah Baptist Church, Denver.
Dental: Two silver caps on upper front incisors
This Hispanic male was apparently living a transient lifestyle. He was found deceased in the boxcar of a train
in a railroad yard in north Ft. Collins. He had sustained massive blunt force injuries to the head, consistent
with being caught in the slamming door of the boxcar of an abruptly stopping train. The manner of death
appears to be accidental. The train in which he was found arrived in Denver from New Mexico on 09/15/94
and was forwarded on to Ft. Collins at 02:00, 09/16/94.
2. Unidentified Caucasian Male: Date of Death: Approximately 07/06/97
Approximate Age: 20-30
Height: 5’11” Weight: 150 – 170 lbs.
Hair: Sandy Brown, long, wavy; receding hairline;
chin beard or goatee
Eye Color: Unknown
Teeth: Beautiful, straight, white, no fillings; All 4 wisdom
teeth present; slight gap between top front incisors.
Scars/ Tattoos: Small, circular tattoo on left thumb with
the letters: P.I.L; both ears pierced one time; well
manicured fingernails.
Clothing: Black tee shirt with bright pink motorcross logo
“Sprucewood Express”; long-sleeved striped shirt; Rustler
brand blue jeans; black leather work boots.
This man was found deceased in north Fort Collins in the
sleeper cab of an abandoned semi tractor-trailer. He was
probably living a recently transient lifestyle. There is no
evidence of trauma or foul play. There is no natural
disease process apparent at autopsy. The manner of death
is undetermined.
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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UNIDENTIFIED REMAINS
3. Unidentified African American Female Date of Death: 07/11/11
Approximate Age: Approximately 60 (55 – 70)
Height: 5’6” Weight: 211 lbs.
Hair: Gray/ black with more white
around forehead/ face; curly Eye Color: Brown
Scars/ Tattoos: Round scar beneath chin; scar on lower
abdomen (possible past C-section)
Clothing: Black paisley patterned blouse; black pants
Dental: Natural w/ partial upper denture
Jewelry: White metal chain necklace; white metal
earrings; white metal wristwatch
This middle-aged African American female checked in to
a local motel on 06/27/11 and arrived there by taxi. She
paid for a room in cash through 07/11/11. It was later
found that she had stayed at other local motels in the area,
always taking a taxi, paying in cash, and giving false and
different names. She told the Motel 9 that her name was
Sandra Nelson, of 5203 Bosa Ave., Park City, UT. This
was later found to be a non-existent address and false
name. She also stated that she was originally from Los
Angeles and was looking for a house in this area. On
07/11/11, she did not show up for breakfast as had been her custom. Since it was her last paid day, staff
assumed she had checked out. They entered her room with a master key and found her deceased on the bed
with pills at her feet and a bright blue, granular purging coming from her nose and mouth. There was no
suicide note but autopsy results showed a massive overdose of multiple medications. All attempts to identify
the decedent have failed.
4. Unidentified Native American Remains Date of Report: 10/10/18
The Department of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU) reached out to the Coroner's Office
a possible gravesite with visible bones that were found in the Red Mountain Open Space, in an area recently
purchased by Larimer County. The bones were known and reported to the county by the previous landowner
who believed them to be Native American. CSU Archaeologists then worked in tandem with the state, as well
as the Larimer County Coroner's Office to document and determine the forensic or historic nature of the site.
There were no visible historic artifacts, clothing or tissues around the bones. All offices involved agreed the
site was not of recent of forensic value and believed the site to be Native American. Arrangements were made
with local tribal officials and it was decided to leave the bones in place as they are not near any public
recreational areas. The site was documented with our Office, Larimer County Parks, CSU and the CO State
Archaeologist records for future reference.
If you have any information concerning any of the above individuals, please contact
the Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office at 970-498-6161. You can remain anonymous.
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR CASES
No Next-of-Kin Found at Time of Release
We are publishing this list in an effort to help families find their loved ones, if possible.
If anyone has any information regarding next-of-kin on any of the decedents listed,
please contact our Office at 970-498-6161 or the appropriate Funeral Home.
You may also email: larimercoroner@larimer.org. You may remain anonymous.
NAME Date of Death AGE MANNER LCCO# Funeral Home
1997
Un-ID’d White male 07/06/1997 N/A Undetermined 97C-337 Allnutt-FTC
(Reager’s)
2004
SMITH, James 07/01/2004 41 Accident (MVC) 04C-368 Bohlender
2006
MCCLENNY, “Jack” 01/07/2006 80 Natural 06C-021 Allnutt- FTC
2008
TOWNES, Sterling 10/03/2008 45 Natural 08C-676 Kibbey’s
ELLSWORTH, Shawk 11/20/2008 58 Accident (Fall) 08C-814 Goes (sister?)
2009
YODER, Karl 09/27/2009 58 Accident (Burn) 09C-678 Viegut
DORSEY, Robert 12/14/2009 65 Natural 09C-879 Vessey
2011
Un-ID’d Black female 07/11/2011 Approx 60’s Suicide (OD) 11C-558 Bohlender
DAVIS, Herbert 09/12/2011 65 Natural 11C-748 Viegut
2012
ROBISON, Randy K. 01/29/2012 50 Suicide (Cutting) 12C-097 Allnutt- FTC
(aka MILLER)
MULLANEY, John F. 03/08/2012 56 Accident (Fall) 12C-214 Bohlender
FROST, Jack 09/26/2012 48 Suicide (Train) 12C-769 Allnutt- FTC
JACKSON, Duane 09/20/2012 67 Natural 12C-786 Allnutt- FTC
EASTBURN, Carl B. 09/27/2012 74 Suicide (GSW) 12C- 792 Kibbey’s
2013
TROUT, Gary 11/22/2013 66 Natural 13C-1053 Allnutt-Lvld
2014
PALMER, Terry 05/23/2014 64 Natural 14C-452 Bohlender
(aka: Terry VLICK)
2015
GIDEON, Michael 08/23/2015 64 Natural 15C-849 Goes
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR CASES
No Next-of-Kin Found at Time of Release
NAME Date of Death AGE MANNER LCCO# Funeral Home
2016
LONGHIBLER, Spencer 06/28/2016 63 Accident 16C-564 Allnutt-FTC
CONDON, Brian 08/20/2016 55 Suicide 16C-780 Allnutt-Lvld
KAPLAN, Joel 09/13/2016 59 Natural 16C-846 Viegut
2017
MUTTER, Kathy A. 02/13/2017 51 Natural 17C-166 Vessey
GARNER, Joel 10/02/2017 54 Accident 17C-914 Bohlender
2018
GAWRLYCZIK, Richard 02/24/2018 68 Natural 18CC0216 Bohlender
MARTINEZ, Ronald C. 03/01/2018 66 Natural 18CC0270 Bohlender
BLACKWELL, Phillip R. 08/25/2018 68 Suicide 18CC0820 Allnutt-FTC
2019
WEST, Kelly James 12/31/2018 53 Natural 19CC0015 Allnutt-FTC
DIAMOND, Thomas R. 01/20/2019 80 Natural 19CC0087 Allnutt-FTC
BECKEL, Melvin 06/17/2019 53 Natural 19CC0616 Viegut
HOOVER, Michael J. 08/12/2019 65 Natural 19CC0842 Allnutt-Lvld
SOMMERS, Harold L. 04/12/2019 60 Natural 19CC0409 Goes
2020
MAZIK, Lee 12/23/2019 58 Natural 20CC0011 Allnutt-FTC
BAIRD, Dwight 01/21/2020 58 Natural 20CC0087 Northern CO
Crematory
SAMORA, Anthony 04/09/2020 60 Natural 20CC0400 Goes
SPARKS, James 04/25/2020 73 Natural 20CC0541 Allnutt-EP
EXHUMATIONS
NAME Date of Death AGE MANNER LCCO# Date Exhumed
HETTRICK, Peggy L. 02/11/1987 37 Homicide 87C-049 05/14/1998
DECKER, Donald J. 07/06/2008 22 Undetermined 08C-459 03/15/2011
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
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ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION
There are six (6) hospitals within the borders of Larimer County: UCHealth Poudre Valley
Hospital in Ft. Collins, UCHealth at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Banner
Health Center - Ft. Collins Campus, Banner Health at McKee Medical Center in Loveland,
Estes Park Medical Center in Estes Park, and Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital in
northern Johnstown. Nearly all organ and tissue donation referrals take place in the hospital
setting. It is the policy of the Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office to facilitate organ
and tissue donation in as many cases as possible without compromising the integrity of the
investigation.
When referrals are made to harvesting banks, this does not mean that donation automatically
takes place. Donations may not occur due to a variety of reasons: Families may not wish to
donate; Organ and Tissue Banks may rule out the donation due to the age of the donor,
extended postmortem intervals, disease process, or substance use; and on rare occasions our
Office, the District Attorney, or law enforcement may not wish to allow donation to occur, or
may place certain restrictions on a donation, for investigative or legal reasons. This is usually
in cases of homicide or suspected homicide, and infant deaths where organ and/or tissue
retrieval could interfere with autopsy findings and compromise a criminal investigation.
Since the majority of hospital deaths do not fall under the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction, our
Office is not involved with all donation requests. Therefore, the most accurate and up-to-date
donation statistics are available on the Donor Alliance and Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank
websites: www.donoralliance.org; https://corneas.org/.
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
39
THE BUDGET – 10-COUNTY COMPARISON
The Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office duties are mandated by Colorado Statute and the
office is funded through the Larimer County Commissioners by the citizens of Larimer County. Staff salaries
are set by the County and salaries follow the standard merit and yearly cost-of-living raises that are the same
across all County departments. Since the Medicolegal Investigators are considered law enforcement, the
salaries coincide with other law enforcement salaries.
As the population of Larimer County increases, so must our budget. At least two Investigators must be “on
call” at all times and we occasionally need to call out a third and a fourth. Due to television and other media,
the public has come to expect a thorough, professional, timely investigation and autopsy when a death occurs.
We strive to provide the best investigation and public service possible.
All County budgets are Public Record and Larimer County’s be accessed through the County website,
www.larimer.org/budget.
Below are the results of a 10-County Budget Survey of Coroner and Medical Examiner Offices in Colorado.
Ranked by population, Denver not included.
2018 County
Coroner
or Medical
Examiner
System
Owns
and/or
operates
autopsy
facility
Budget
Full-Time
Employees
Total
Number
of Deaths
Reported/
Autopsies
(Approx)
Percent of
Deaths
Reported
Requiring
Autopsy
(Approx)
1 El Paso ME Y $2,980,002 26 6,037 / 920 17.6%
2 Arapahoe ME Y $1,954,591 14 4,145/493 11.5%
3 Jefferson C Y $2,468,000
14
+3 contract
5,603 / 481 8.5%
4 Adams C Y $2,187,000 15 3,937 / 629 16%
5 Larimer ME Y $1,619,591 11 2,909 / 223 8%
6 Boulder C Y $1,450,107 12 3,077 / 289 9.3%
7 Douglas C Y $1,422,179 9 2,066 / 206 10.6%
8 Weld ME Y $1,594,945 12 1,658 / 241 13.6%
9 Pueblo C N $878,000 3 1,179 / 285 14.6%
10 Mesa ME Y $597,650 3 917 / 140 7.6%
Larimer County Medical Examiner’s Office: 2020 Annual Report
41
2020 LARIMER COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Total FTE’s = 7 plus 2 Temporary Investigators
