Coroner reports three suicides in August

Brian Westfahl, Shawano County’s coroner, reported three suicides in August, nearly one-third of all so far this year. His monthly report indicated there have been 10 deaths by suicide in the county in 2024. Westfahl also reported one traffic fatality in August, making a total of three for the year. He also noted there were 15 hospice deaths (139 for the year) and 21 cremations (181 thus far in 2024). One organ procurement was also performed. With approval from the Shawano County Public Safety Committee earlier this summer, the coroner’s office can now recoup some expense incurred from organ procurement. The company Versiti handles tissue recovery, and Westfahl learned at a seminar earlier this year, counties can get reimbursed from Versiti for administrative costs and records collection. Up to $300 can be reimbursed for administrative fees and donor preparation. Another $300 can be collected for transportation services of donated organs, and up to $150 can be reimbursed for the return of requested records, including investigative reports, toxicology reports and autopsy reports. kpasson@newmedia-wi.com