Dr. Emily Russell Kinsley, El Paso County coroner and chief medical examiner, delivered the office’s 2024 annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 28.

Kinsley told commissioners her office investigated 6,310 deaths in 2024, a 4.5% increase from 2023, and performed 1,216 autopsies — a 22% decrease from the prior year. She said the office provides autopsy services for multiple other counties; in 2024 that included 21 additional counties.

Kinsley described manners and causes of death among autopsied cases: 38.5% were natural deaths, 36.4% accidental, about 18% suicide and roughly 6% homicide; eight autopsied cases were undetermined. The coroner reported an average 37.7 days from autopsy to case completion, with 5% of cases taking more than 60 days, typically when additional testing or outside consultation was required.

On drug deaths, Kinsley said accidental drug overdose deaths declined 27% in 2024, and fentanyl‑involved deaths decreased 44% compared with the previous year. She said methamphetamine was again the most common drug involved in overdose deaths (85 methamphetamine deaths versus 71 fentanyl and analog deaths and 27 cocaine deaths).

Kinsley also reported a 17% decrease in accidental deaths overall but said motor‑vehicle fatality counts rose 34% in 2024. She said 41% of motor‑vehicle fatalities were attributed primarily to reckless driving and excessive speed; motorcycles accounted for 33% of motor‑vehicle fatalities overall and 41% of non‑pedestrian motor‑vehicle deaths. Pedestrians represented 22% of motor‑vehicle fatalities, she said.

On homicide and suicide, Kinsley said there were 51 homicides in 2024 (71% firearm‑related) and an 18% decrease in suicides; 93 suicide deaths were firearm‑related. Child fatalities (age 17 and under) totaled 28, including seven natural deaths, six infant unsafe‑sleep asphyxia cases, four suicides and four homicides. For people experiencing homelessness, the coroner reported 31 drug‑intoxication deaths and nine deaths from exposure.

Kinsley told commissioners she reissued the annual report earlier than the board presentation because community organizations, government agencies and media request the data; the full report is available on the coroner’s office website. Commissioners asked about data sources, road‑safety factors and toxicology testing capacity. Kinsley said the office is pursuing lab equipment to streamline testing and that the office’s toxicology work supports other counties’ cases as well.

The coroner cited Colorado statutory jurisdiction for the office’s caseload under Colorado Revised Statutes §30‑10‑606.

Commissioners did not take formal action during the presentation but asked questions and discussed local safety and prevention implications.