Hardin County coroner reports rising autopsies and continued overdose deaths through May

A representative of the Hardin County coroner's office reported an increase in autopsies and overdose deaths during the county's June 24 fiscal court meeting.

The coroner's representative reported April and May caseloads: April recorded 79 cases (74 natural deaths, one accident and three suicides) while May recorded 102 cases (96 natural deaths, three accidents and two suspected overdoses involving oxycodone and meth). The office said three autopsies were pending classification at the time of the report.

The coroner said autopsies are performed by the Louisville medical examiner's office and can take four to six weeks or longer for results to return. The office reported 11 autopsies in the first five months of 2025 and said previous recent years had fewer than 10 autopsies per year, indicating an increase in cases requiring postmortem examination. The report also noted 14 overdose deaths through May and identified fentanyl as a continuing major contributor to overdose deaths.

The coroner highlighted operational changes: the office added four desks and has taken on more internal transport capability so it can move decedents without depending on EMS for routine transport. The coroner also described community partnerships, including a Quick Response Team (QRT) grant (identified in the report as led by Keiko) that works on overdose response and family follow-up; Justin Blair was named as participating in the QRT.

Ending: The coroner invited questions and said the office will update the court as autopsy results return from the medical examiner.