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Kane County coroner reports nine suicides year‑to‑date and pursues dual accreditation
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Summary
Coroner Dr. Silva told the Judicial & Public Safety Committee the office performed nine autopsies in March, has nine suicides year‑to‑date (matching last year), and is accredited by the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners while seeking accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners.
Dr. Silva, Kane County’s coroner, told the Judicial & Public Safety Committee on April 16 that March’s caseload included nine autopsies and that, after recording four suicides in one month and five in the next, the office has recorded nine suicides year‑to‑date — the same count reported at this point last year.
“We are at a total of 9 suicides for this year, and we were at a total for 9 suicides last year at this time as well,” Dr. Silva said. She explained coroner case dispositions (return to medical, sign out natural, sign out unnatural), described the office’s recent training and conference attendance, and emphasized that national training and accreditation opportunities help the office secure expert support in difficult cases.
Dr. Silva also said the office is accredited by the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and is actively pursuing accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners, noting that dual accreditation would be a first in Illinois if achieved. She described staffing as five full‑time deputies who handle death investigations and two para‑deputies who assist and may progress into deputy roles.
Committee members asked questions about accreditation and staffing; Dr. Silva said the office is working toward the National Association accreditation for autopsy pathologists and is recruiting and training staff to strengthen forensic capacity. The committee took no formal action on the report; monthly reports were placed on file.
