There were 26 drug-related deaths in Carbon County in 2019, according to the annual report filed by Coroner Robert W. Miller Jr.

Of those cases, her said, 22 of the deaths were the result of “illicit drugs.”

In a report to the Carbon County Commissioners, the coroner said his office processed 468 cases last year, noting, “The year was again a very challenging one, and at times our resources as a sixth class county are pressed to the limit.”

Miller did not provide his 2018 statistics, but said the number of deaths last year decreased, “as did the suicide and drug cases.”

He commented, “We are very proud and fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced group of individuals in the office, and we can report that all of our deputy coroners who perform investigations are certified in medicolegal death investigation procedures as adopted by the state Attorney General’s office.”

The coroner said there were 40 deaths last year that were classified as “accidental,” including the drug deaths.

His report also listed notable statistics, including: 14 suicides; 9 deaths occurred due to motor vehicle accidents; one death was classified as a drowning; there was one homicide; one cause of death was listed as undetermined; and there were 80 hospice cases, which, he said, are not considered coroner cases.

Miller said 70 percent of the dispositions of the deceased were authorized to be done by cremation procedures.

He added, “I would like to extend my appreciation and sincere thanks to all local police departments, the PA state police, fire departments and EMS associations. Their assistance and professional attitude at the scenes is instrumental in conducting thorough investigations. I also wish to express a note of appreciation to the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office and the staffs at all of the hospitals for their continued cooperation and support.”

The coroner asked the commissioners “for their continued cooperation in allowing the Coroner’s Office to function in an independent, professional and ethical manner,” adding, “It is always my goal to provide the optimal level of service to the taxpayers of Carbon County, while at the same time not being a financial burden (to them).”