Coroner

OFFICE OF CORONER     

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to investigate all deaths in McCracken County pursuant to KRS 72.025.  We provide compassionate support to grieving loved ones and serve as an advocate for the deceased in all circumstances. 

The Coroner’s office responds to calls twenty-four hours a day, seven-days a week to investigate and determine cause and manner of death. McCracken County Coroner Amanda Melton and her staff conduct investigations of homicide, suicide, accident, undetermined and all natural deaths that are sudden, unexpected or medically unattended. The Coroner’s office is charged by Kentucky Law to determine and record the cause and manner of death through a thorough post-mortem examination which may include an autopsy conducted by a state medical examiner. Our conclusions are independent of police agencies and fire investigators, but investigations may be and often are performed as a cooperative effort.

An autopsy is ordered by this office when it is vital in the determination of cause and manner of death. When ordered by this office, a charge for an autopsy is never incurred by the family.

Upon completion of the coroner’s investigation, the coroner or her deputy certifies the cause and manner of death on the death certificate, which is generated by the selected funeral home.  After completion, it is filed and certified by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.  Finally, this important document is forwarded to the funeral home where copies can be obtained.  Additional copies may be purchased from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St. 1E-A, Frankfort, KY  40621 or https://www.vitalchek.com/death-certificates/kentucky/kentucky-office-of-vital-statistics.

The Coroner’s Office consists of the elected coroner and her appointed deputies, all dedicated, well-trained and educated individuals who are committed to serving as an advocate for the deceased as well as treating their families and loved ones with compassionate support and respect. We regularly attend educational seminars in order to stay current on any new techniques or advances in death investigation strategies as they develop.

Additionally, prevention and community education/outreach are important to the Coroner’s office.  We partner with law enforcement agencies, local coroners, District Attorney’s office, mental health agencies, school systems and other community providers to analyze the primary causes of death in our region and implement programs for preventative education.

The McCracken County Coroner’s Office is located in the McCracken County Courthouse, 300 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003.  You may reach us at 270.444.4732.

KRS 72.415 – Power and authority of coroners and their deputies.

(1) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of KRS 72.410 to 72.470, coroners and deputy coroners shall have the full power and authority of peace officers in this state, including the power of arrest and the authority to bear arms, and shall have the power and authority to:

(a) Administer oaths;

(b) Enter upon public or private premises for the purpose of making investigations;

(c) Seize evidence;

(d) Interrogate persons;

(e) Require the production of medical records, books, papers, documents, or other evidence;

(f) Impound vehicles involved in vehicular deaths;

(g) Employ special investigators and photographers; and

(h) Expend funds for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of KRS 72.410 to 72.470.

The fiscal court or urban-county government shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by the coroner and his deputy in carrying out his responsibilities under the provisions of KRS 72.410 to 72.470.