Rhodes Offers Annual Coroner's Report

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes reported 398 deaths occurred in the county during Fiscal Year 2023. The number of deaths is 33 higher than the previous year, but 44 fewer than in Fiscal Year 2021.

Of the 398 deaths, 94 occurred in nursing homes, 57 in the hospital ER, 88 in hospital rooms, 21 in assisted living facilities, and 138 in the decedent's residence. There were 16 other death locations, and there were 11 motor vehicle fatalties, as well as two accident deaths from non-motor vehicle incidents. 

There were eight suicides during the year, five fatal drug overdoses, and six COVID-related deaths in the county. The number of COVID-related deaths compares to 38 the previous year and 74 in Fiscal Year 2021.

13,743 prescription pills were destroyed last year, 13 autopies were conducted, and the coroner's office responded to the scene 113 times.

Rhodes also reported all personal belongings and articles have been returned to the next of kin; Rhodes completed the mandatory training required by the Illinois Coroner Training Board, and over 40 next of kin notifications were made to those out of state and out of country. Rhodes also reported that her budget totaled $146,500, with expenditures totaling $109,513.80, just under $37,000 under budget.

Rhodes also offered "special gratitude" to all first responders and everyone who assisted at the Teutopolis Haz Mat incident on September 29, 2023, as Rhodes termed it "a very devastating incident for all involved."