Death investigation in Washington

The system used to investigate sudden or unusual deaths in Washington state is a patchwork. Only six counties rely on medical examiners — doctors who are highly trained. The rest rely on elected coroners, who come from a variety of backgrounds. And the problems that result run deep. For months, KNKX’s Kari Plog has been investigating the system in a three-part series, poring over documents and talking to people in the industry and those affected by their work.

Reporting by Kari Plog

Ted S. Warren

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The Associated Press

As effort to reform death investigation system begins, KNKX looks outside WA for solutions

Kari Plog

Since its founding more than a century ago, Washington state has seen few changes to the way sudden or unusual deaths are investigated. And experts from…
Parker Miles Blohm

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KNKX

Coroners in Washington lack clear oversight, leaving some families without closure

Kari Plog

Nicole MacMaster remembers her mom, Frankie "Ellen" Schmitz, as a doting grandmother who loved to crochet. Christmastime was her favorite, and she always…
Parker Miles Blohm

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KNKX

Coroners in Washington manage to investigate deaths despite untenable conditions

Kari Plog

It isn’t often a coroner gets to deliver good news. Last week was an exception for Hayley Thompson.The Skagit County coroner learned her office was…
Parker Miles Blohm

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KNKX

'A challenging way to practice medicine': Death investigation in Washington faces grim reality

Kari Plog

Dr. Carl Wigren could stand in for just about any medical examiner as seen on TV. He’s witty, a fast talker who knows a lot about investigating deaths.In…