The Coroner's Office conducts independent investigations of deaths in Charleston County, serving as a representative of the decedents and survivors. The investigation's purpose is to determine the cause and manner of death and ensure that the circumstances surrounding it are thoroughly understood.
Autopsy - A through external and internal examination of a deceased person which includes the dissection and examination of bone, tissue, organs and foreign objects for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death.
Book of Inquisitions - A record of all inquests within the county, together with evidence taken before juries and all proceedings conducted before or after the Coroner's findings.
Coroner's Inquest - An official judicial inquiry before a Coroner and Coroner's Jury for the purpose of determining the manner of death.
Victim-Witness Assistance Program - A program that provides assistance to victims and witnesses by: making available information concerning their cases; supporting their rights to protection from intimidation; making referrals to medical, social, counseling and compensation services; assisting in preparation for court; and supporting families or survivors of victims.
Charleston County Perimeter Center
4000 Salt Pointe Parkway
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843)746-4030
Fax: (843)746-4033
Email:
charlestoncoroner@charlestoncounty.org
Office Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 4:30pm
Internships with the Charleston County Coroner’s Office are available to students who are looking to gain knowledge and experience in the area of both forensic nursing and/or medicolegal death investigation. Preferred candidates are currently enrolled in a college or university program that requires an internship for graduation.
Unintentional Drug Related Deaths
Confirmed | Pending/Suspected | |
---|---|---|
2020 | 180 | 0 |
2021 | 183 | 0 |
2022 | 215 | 0 |
2023 | 236 | 0 |
2024 | 128 | 22 |
Suicide Deaths
Suicide | |
---|---|
2020 | 65 |
2021 | 75 |
2022 | 67 |
2023 | 75 |
2024 | 59 |
Unintentional Drug related deaths involving fentanyl
Confirmed | Percentage of all unintentional drug related deaths | |
---|---|---|
2021 | 134 | 70% |
2022 | 148 | 69% |
2023 | 180 | 76% |
2024 | 86 | 67% |
Homicide Deaths
Homicide | |
---|---|
2020 | 62 |
2021 | 67 |
2022 | 56 |
2023 | 53 |
2024 | 41 |
Forensic Autopsies Completed
Forensic Autopsies | |
---|---|
2020 | 545 |
2021 | 579 |
2022 | 596 |
2023 | 718 |
2024 | 508 |
Traffic Deaths
Confirmed | |
---|---|
2020 | 85 |
2021 | 86 |
2022 | 77 |
2023 | 83 |
2024 | 54 |
Natural Deaths
2020 | 2082 |
2021 | 2084 |
2022 | 2127 |
2023 | 2082 |
2024 | 1747 |
Deaths under the age of 18
2021 | 60 |
2022 | 54 |
2023 | 55 |
2024 | 41 |
Updated: 10/28/2024
Podcast series presents federal, state and local "public servants" whose work is often not fully understood or thought about but has an immediate, direct impact on our daily lives. Civic education program designed to better inform citizens about the important work happening at all levels of government. www.citizenartscreative.org
October 7, 2024
Hurricanes remain deadly long after they pass. How are storm deaths counted?
June 7, 2024
The Fentanyl Wall: Crisis not slowing despite efforts
April 15 2024
Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal Nominated to National Association of Counties Steering Committee
January 23, 2024
Charleston Co. Coroner expanding office and programs in 2024
January 19, 2024
Charleston County programs on the front lines of opioid research and prevention
January 5, 2024
Charleston County Coroner's Office plans expansion to handle growing number of cases
December 7, 2023
Charleston County Coroner’s Office awarded five-year deal with CDC
October 6, 2023
Overdose deaths are spiking in Charleston, coroner warns: 'We have lost too many'
October 6, 2023
'Zombie drug' xylazine leads to sharp rise in local deaths
October 5, 2023
Charleston coroner: Overdose deaths on the rise
August 14, 2023
Federal grant will help Charleston County coroner employ forensic autopsy technician for second year
2023
National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper
July 01, 2023
Opioid Fatality Review
June 15, 2023
Coroner's office applies for Child Death Investigation Grant
March 3, 2023
Coroner awarded funds for new cameras
January 24, 2023
Coroner's Office received emergency preparedness grant
July 11, 2022
Coroner's Office receives federal grant to fund a Forensic Autopsy Technician
July, 2022
Medicolegal Death Investigation Partnerships on Overdose Fatality Reviews
July 06, 2022
Charleston County Coroner Named 2022 Coroner of the Year and Elected President of the South Carolina Coroner's Association
February 23, 2022
Overdose deaths are underestimated, Charleston County coroner says at MUSC summit
November 01, 2021
Charleston County Coroner named President of Coroner's Association
October 06, 2021
2 feet that washed up on SC shores miles apart belonged to same person, coroner says
October 06, 2021
DNASolves Crime | Charleston County Coroner's Office Teams with Othram to Identify Human Remains found near Fort Sumter
June 24, 2020
After searching for a year, coroners identify body as missing James Island man.
April 6, 2020
#FEMA: Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19-Related Funeral Expenses
December 11, 2019
Charleston County coroner releases new images in attempt to identify man found in Cooper River
December 01, 2019
Charleston County coroners search for identity of man found in water off Remley's Point
May 01, 2016
Science, art may help solve decade-old mystery of floating skull
February 23, 2015
Charleston County Coroner's Office Accreditation
August 12, 2024
Charleston County Coroner’s Office Receives Federal Grant
December 07, 2023
Charleston County Coroner’s Office Receives 1 Million Dollars for a 5-year Cooperative Agreement with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
August 09, 2023
Charleston County Coroner's Office Receives Federal Grant
October 22, 2022
Charleston County Coroner's Office receives grant related to opioid deaths.
October 06, 2022
Coroner O'Neal comments on IACME joining the CFSO
The King of England appointed the first Coroner of South Carolina by relocating him from England to Charleston. Until 1706, the only Coroner in the colony lived in Charleston. Beginning in 1785, Justices of the County Court selected the Coroners who were commissioned by the Governor for two-year terms. Since 1868, and in accordance with the S.C. Constitution, each of the state's 46 counties have elected a Coroner to four-year terms.
City of Charleston
City of Folly Beach
City of North Charleston
City of Isle of Palms
Town of Awendaw
Town of Hollywood
Town of James Island
Town of Kiawah Island
Town of Lincolnville
Town of McClellanville
Town of Meggett
Town of Mount Pleasant
Town of Ravenel
Town of Rockville
Town of Seabrook Island
Town of Sullivan's Island
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