Midwest Medical Examiner reports fewer drug-related deaths in 2025; Carver County sees no homicides

The Midwest Medical Examiner presented its 2025 annual report to the Carver County Board on May 19, reporting the office investigated 472 of the 624 deaths in Carver County last year and signed 56 death certificates. Of those cases, 26 required autopsy and 30 were completed by medical record review.

"Last year was a kinder year than 2024," the chief medical examiner, Dr. Piper (S6), told commissioners, adding that drug-use deaths in the counties the office covers declined from eight to two in the most recent year. She cautioned that trends can vary and that changing drug supply and Narcan distribution are likely contributors.

Discussion with board members focused on causes grouped under "blunt force" — mainly car crashes and fatal falls among older residents — and suicide demographics. Dr. Piper said suicides remain most common among middle-aged white males, while noting that young and old people are also affected. County Attorney Metz (S10) praised the office’s relationship with prosecutors and law enforcement, saying, "You don't know how important they are until we have those really critical cases."

The medical examiner’s director noted collaborations to detect emerging synthetic drugs through the laboratory partnership with NMS and work with regional partners to improve rapid toxicology. The board and medical examiner discussed pending legislative efforts seeking to address clinicians who refuse to sign death certificates; presenter Shane Sheets (office director, mayor of Green Isle) and others said they will continue to pursue statutory fixes.