Berks County coroner reports 84 deaths so far this year; officials express concern over veteran suicides and pending toxicology results

Berks County’s coroner’s office told the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 13 that the office has investigated 84 deaths so far this year and that the office faces multiple operational pressures, including pending toxicology results and staffing and facility needs.

Coroner Matthew Stitzel reported that the office handled 3,543 deaths last year across 10 deputies and said the current year has 84 investigations to date. He cited suicide counts presented on the record as 59 in the year discussed, with 16 involving veterans, compared with 75 suicides in 2024, of which 12 involved veterans. He also said the office had 70 confirmed overdoses for the recent year with 29 toxicology results still pending; last year’s overdose count was read as 92.

Stitzel outlined operational challenges: the coroner’s office is rehabbing the morgue to coordinate with Reading Hospital, is actively recruiting another forensic pathologist and anticipates an office relocation in 2027 (timeline described on the record as by the end of this year/early 2027). He said full, official counts will be provided once remaining toxicology results return.

Commissioner Linebaugh highlighted local concern about veteran suicides, noting 16 veterans died by suicide in the referenced period and emphasizing the need for coordinated preventable measures with the VA and Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) staff. Commissioners thanked the coroner for the data and asked staff to provide finalized numbers when pending tests are complete.

The coroner’s report was presented for information; no formal board action was taken at the meeting on coroner staffing or facility changes.