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Coroner reports rising suicides and previews county forensic-lab collaboration
Summary
Kane County Coroner Dr. Silva told the committee that deaths and suicides rose in recent years, noted a $20/hr starting wage for deputies as a staffing challenge, and described a developing regional forensics lab project coordinated with the coroner’s office, sheriff and state's attorney.
Kane County Coroner Dr. Silva presented the office’s annual trends and operational items at the Feb. 13 Judicial & Public Safety Committee meeting.
Dr. Silva said the office’s reports are on file and highlighted that, while some 2025 numbers remain open to investigation, there is an overall upward trend in case volume and a noticeable increase in suicide numbers compared with 2023. She clarified the office distinguishes drug overdoses (counted as accidental) from suicides.
The coroner identified workforce and pay as a challenge: starting wages for deputy coroners are $20 an hour under the collective bargaining agreement, which Dr. Silva said contributes to turnover and requires many deputies to rely on multiple-income households. She also described a county forensics lab project — coordinated among the coroner, sheriff and state's attorney — and said a future report will include more details as the project progresses.
Dr. Silva presented two resolutions: an annual procurement-card review (forwarded to Finance) and a mutual-aid intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association (forwarded to the Executive Committee).
