Carbon County Coroner Robert W. Miller Jr. released his statistical report for the year 2015 and noted that drug-related deaths continue to rise in the county.

Miller said 18 deaths were determined to be drug-related and ruled accidental in 2015.It is an increase of one from 2014 but continues to go up each year. There was a total of 31 deaths classified as accidental during the year.Miller also reported his office handled 452 cases during the year.Other notable statistics include 17 deaths classified as suicides, two deaths ruled homicides, and two deaths classified as "undetermined."Miller said, "2015 was a very challenging year, with drug-related deaths continuing to increase; and also, unclaimed decedents are becoming an increasingly occurring issue."He said the increased workload is pressing resources of his office to the limit for a sixth-class county.Miller expressed his thanks to all area police departments, state police, fire departments and volunteer ambulance corps for their cooperation with his office in the investigations.He also noted the continued assistance of the district attorney's office and the group of experienced deputy coroners for their help.