Howard County Coroner’s Office 2025 first quarter report

Howard County Coroner David Granger has released statistics for his office for the opening months of 2025.

The Howard County Coroner’s Office investigated 76 deaths in the 1st quarter of 2025. Of those cases, 42 were determined to be due to natural causes.

There were eight deaths by suicide, 25 accidental deaths, and one undetermined. The coroner’s office also reviewed an additional 33 direct release cases.

Of the 25 accidental deaths, 14 were the result of drug overdose. From the 14 overdose cases, three were from fentanyl, five were from methamphetamine, and six were from other substances.

Methamphetamine is being mixed with fentanyl. Other drugs like protonazane and bromazolam are appearing. Of the remaining accidental deaths, three were from injuries from falls, two were motor vehicle accidents, two were from inhalation injuries due to house fires, one was from carbon monoxide toxicity, and one was from cold exposure.

Of the 76 cases investigated in the first quarter, there were 30 autopsies, 37 toxicology tests, and one imaging study performed for a total cost of $75,569. Toxicology tests for suspected drug overdose cases are paid for by the Indiana State Department of Health. All autopsies ordered by the coroner are performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist.

The coroner’s office investigates all deaths that occur from violence, casualty, in apparent good health, have died from suspicious, unusual or unnatural manner. The coroner also reviews all deaths that occur in the hospital emergency rooms or within 24 hours of admission and deaths that occur during surgery or while under general anesthesia.