About the Coroner

Terry L. Wilson PA-C, is the incumbent Coroner, he took office January 1982.  Terry has practiced in Lewis County since 1973.

Terry served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy from 1966-1970. Terry attended the University of Washington from 1972-1973 where he completed his Physician Assistant Certification. Terry has always had an aspiration to work in medicine.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Coroner is responsible for investigation of the circumstances surrounding deaths which come under the jurisdiction of the Coroner's Office: all homicides, suicides, accidents, traffic fatalities, suspicious, unexpected, unexplained, or medically unattended natural deaths, the death of children under the age of 16 years, as well as the deaths of indigent or unclaimed citizens. Provision of initial emotional and psychological support to individual and family members at the scene of a death investigation or upon notification of a death.

The Coroner operates with a twenty-four hour/seven-days a week responsibility. Receives notification of deaths from a wide range of resources, and determines whether a death is within the jurisdiction of the Coroner's Office. Conducts on-site investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding a death, including time and probable cause of death. Interviews, observes, and assesses first responders, and physicians, witnesses, survivors, and family members to obtain relevant medical history, chain of events or circumstances prior to the death. Handles and examines human remains to determine initial findings regarding cause and manner of death. Examines, documents, and collects personal effects for identification and evidence of decedent's lifestyle choices, psychological mindset, level of self-care, and information regarding next-of-kin. Gathers and transports human remains, personal effects, and evidence to the Lewis County Coroner's Office. Locates next-of-kin and makes in-person notification of the death. Writes complete and comprehensive investigative reports, as well as creating other documentation to justify determination of cause and manner of death.