Hardin County coroner reports 1,193 cases in 2025; flags new synthetic-opioid concern

Coroner Pat Elmore told the Hardin County Fiscal Court on Feb. 24 that his office handled 1,193 cases during 2025, about 35 more than the prior year.

"We have our 2025 annual report coming up this very year end," Elmore said, and then summarized case types: 45 accidents, 3 homicides, 1,106 natural deaths, 32 suicides, 2 pending autopsies and 2 undetermined cases. He said suicides were up this year and that overdose remained a leading cause of death within several categories.

Elmore highlighted trends in substances detected in deaths, saying methamphetamine remained frequently detected, followed by prescription drugs and designer opioids. He warned the court about what he described as a new drug appearing locally—identified in the presentation as "chlorphene"—and said authorities are still studying how Narcan (naloxone) will respond to it and how it is absorbed.

"There's cases that... this drug is based in other fentanyl derivatives of an opioid or synthetic opioids," Elmore said, adding that health officials are still learning about its effects in the U.S.

Elmore said autopsy cases and cremations were down and that the coroner's office continues to respond to incidents outside the county, including mutual-aid responses to tornadoes and accidents.

Magistrates thanked the coroner and his staff for the work and for assisting neighboring counties, with one magistrate noting the office's compassion for families during difficult circumstances.

The coroner did not provide a detailed treatment or prevention plan at the meeting; Elmore asked the court to remain supportive as the office tracks new substances and changing mortality patterns.

The court did not vote on any ordinance or policy change in response to the coroner's report during the Feb. 24 session. The report is scheduled to be part of the annual materials and will be available through the county's posted reports.