Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater issued her report for July.
There were: 16 natural deaths, including six deaths due to cancer.
Others: Liver disease (2), heat-related (1), renal failure (1), heart failure (1), septis (1), pneumonia (1), respiratory failure (1), heart attack (1) and cardiac arrhythmia (1). Autopsy results and laboratory results are pending on two decedents. The rise in cancer deaths continues to be a concern and is followed closely, she said.
“Of note, there were no accidental deaths in the month of July, and I’m hoping the trend continues. No deaths occurred at South Central Correctional Center this month, and our correctional officers are doing a great job keeping those in custody safe,” she said.
“My certification as a board-certified fellow with the American Board of Medicolegal Investigators has been renewed for another five years. Of note, there are only six death investigators in the state holding this credential.”
Lasater noted she is serving on the Governor’s Board of Coroner Training and Standards, and it is responding to comments on the published proposed rules for training. “It has been a huge honor to serve on this board and elevate the role of the county coroner,” she said.