A county coroner is responsible for determining how a person died when it isn’t 100% clear.

They are also responsible for issuing death certificates for those who die of natural causes.

Last week, Carbon County Coroner Mark K. Smith released his annual report, which was included in the commissioners’ correspondence report, and outlined his office’s work for the last year.

The annual report “provides an overview of the work performed by the Carbon County Coroner’s Office” and “highlights our continued commitment to serving the residents and visitors of our county,” he wrote in the report.

County coroners investigate deaths that are sudden, unexpected or happen under specific circumstances; as well as determine the cause and manner of death.

“The past year presented significant challenges, both in the volume and complexity of cases investigated,” Smith wrote, crediting his department’s “ability to adapt, improve operational practices and expand capabilities to meet the evolving demands of our responsibilities.”

Smith’s office is comprised of himself, as well as Chief Deputy Coroner Jason T. Smith, and six deputy coroners.

This team, over the last 12 months, have handled several cases, and introduced an analyzer tool aimed at expediting toxicology testing for suspected drug-related deaths.

The analyzer last year, was used on 14 cases and resulted in deferring seven autopsies because it allowed the office to determine an overdose, saving the county nearly $19,000.

Overall, the office reviewed 615 deaths, of which 90% represented natural deaths from cancer, heart-related issues and Alzheimer’s. In addition, most of these deaths originated in a health care setting.

Of the 10% not categorized as natural; 7% was accidental, such as falls, vehicle crashes or drug overdoses; and 3% was suicide related.