CORONER UNIT IAN PARKINSON IS THE ELECTED SHERIFF CORONER
In 2021, the Coroner Unit reviewed 1,982 reportable deaths that occurred
by the Coroner Unit in 2021, 85
in San Luis Obispo County. Patrol
autopsies were performed, 182 external
Deputies responded to 699
examinations were performed, and 67
unexpected deaths and conducted
medical record reviews were completed.
preliminary investigations. Coroner detectives reviewed those cases to
of San Luis Obispo County. Deputy
determine whether further investiga-
sheriffs also function as deputy
tion was needed. Ultimately, the
coroners and perform the role of
Coroner Unit conducted 334 investiga-
coroner in all jurisdictions within San
tions that led to autopsy, review of
Luis Obispo County. The California
medical records, or an external
Government Code mandates that the
examination to determine the manner
coroner investigate the manner and
and cause of death. It is the responsi-
cause of death in most cases where
bility of the coroner to determine the
the death occurred outside of a hospital
necessary level of inquiry into any
or presence of a physician, and in all
death that falls within its jurisdiction.
cases involving homicide, suicide,
The level of inquiry is determined on a
accidental deaths, and deaths due to
case-by-case basis and completed in
suspicious circumstances.
consultation with a decedent’s
In cases that require an in-depth investigation or where greater expertise is
treating physician(s) and/or the forensic pathologist.
needed, the Sheriff’s Office has the
Each coroner detective is responsible
Coroner Unit within the Investigative
for certifying the death certificate on
Services Bureau. The Coroner Unit is
each decedent subject to their investi-
comprised of a sergeant, three
gations. Coroner detectives also review
detectives, a legal clerk, a forensic
death certificates for which a treating
pathologist, and a part-time forensic
physician has determined the cause of
autopsy technician. The three detectives
death in a case appropriately referred
are highly trained and specialize in
to the Coroner.
determining the manner of death.
28
Of the 334 cases formally investigated
Of the deaths investigated in 2021: 81 were certified as natural causes, 46 were suicides, 2 were homicides, 124 were accidental, one was undetermined, and the remainder were still under investigation or being finalized at the end of the year. In 2021, San Luis Obispo County experienced a significant surge in drug-related deaths. Fentanyl and methamphetamine were present in a majority of the drug-related death cases. Between 2016 and 2019, there were approximately 45–55 drug-related deaths per year. There was a significant increase to 88 drug-related deaths in 2020. In 2021 the Coroner’s Office has had 95 confirmed drug-related death cases with 27 cases presumed to be drug-related and are pending toxicology results at the time of this report. The Coroner Unit is honored to serve the citizens of San Luis Obispo County during the difficult times associated with unattended or unexpected deaths.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
