Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Coroner Report topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coroner reports 16 deaths in June; one autopsy ordered amid caregiving dispute
Summary
Vernon County coroner Lisa Gambit reported 16 deaths in June and said one case involving disputed morphine dosing was sent for autopsy with state involvement; Gambit also raised concerns about funeral-cost assistance for decedents without family.
Lisa Gambit, listed in the transcript as reporting for the coroner's office, told the committee that June’s caseload included 16 deaths — 10 males and six females — and that most appeared to be natural causes.
Gambit described one ongoing investigation she sent for autopsy after privately hired caregivers disagreed over morphine dosing; she said the state forensic office has contacted the hospice agency and caregivers but had not contacted the coroner directly. “I ended up sending for autopsy because there was a dispute between the privately hired caregivers about the dosing of morphine,” Gambit said. She added that some cases are taking longer because of extended investigations.
Gambit also flagged a growing expense: requests for funeral assistance when decedents have no family and remain in the morgue. She said state programs exist that families can apply to but cautioned there are no guarantees of approval. Gambit pointed to regional forensic‑center developments she observed at a state convention and said the state statutes require viewing before cremation in some cases, which could add costs counties must absorb or coordinate across county lines.
