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Medical examiner: Van Buren deaths returned to pre‑COVID levels; suicides and opioid deaths trended down in 2024
Summary
John Storer presented an excerpt of the 2024 medical examiner report covering 14 counties, saying Van Buren recorded about 503 reported deaths in 2024, 382 cremation permits (76%), nine suicides (down from 16), 13 drug‑related deaths (five involving opioids) and three pediatric infection‑related deaths; COVID‑listed deaths are now rare.
John Storer, chief medical examiner investigator, presented an excerpt of the 2024 medical examiner report to the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9, saying the county’s death statistics have largely returned to pre‑COVID levels.
Storer told the board the excerpt covers 14 counties and that Van Buren had roughly 503 reported deaths in 2024. Of those, he said, 382 cremation permits were processed — about 76 percent — and noted that cremation reduces opportunities for further post‑mortem investigation, which is why the medical examiner’s office reviews affiliated death certificates. He said the office processed 382 cremation permits in 2024.
Storer highlighte…
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