Champaign County Coroner
Stephen E. Thuney
Duties
The Coroner is largely
involved in public safety and serves as protector of the people.
The Coroner has the same powers as the Sheriff. Should the Office
of the Sheriff become vacant, the Coroner performs all the duties as
required by law to be performed by the Sheriff, and retains those powers
until another Sheriff is appointed or elected.
The Coroner investigates
all deaths where the decedent was not attended by a licensed physician
for whatever cause, and is responsible for determining the manner and
cause of each death to decide if an inquest is necessary. The
Coroner prepares and conducts inquests. If the circumstances
concerning the death are suspicious, obscure or mysterious the Coroner
will determine the need for an autopsy.
The Coroner issues
Coroner's death certificates and cremation permits and also maintains
records of all deaths in the County for which an inquest is held.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Champaign County Coroner’s Office is to provide independent and professional medicolegal death investigations as neutral experts utilizing investigative best practices and advanced forensic science while ensuring the highest level of compassion, dignity, and respect for the deceased and their family.