Phelps County Coroner

06/29/2026

On June 19th, this office responded to 11942 Village Circle in Rolla, Missouri for 5 deceased individuals due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The task of identifying each individual and making notification to next of kin has presented a challenge due to the fact that three of the decedents were Honduran Nationals, one a Mexican national, and the other being Guatemalan national. I can safely say today, that all next of kin has been notified properly. Adding to this, the tedious investigation into the tragic events of that day, has also had its challenges. At this point there are still questions as to what exactly happened, and this office, along with the Phelps County Sheriff's Dept. continue to try reach a determination on the manner of death. Autopsies and toxicologies have been completed and we are waiting on those results. I know there has been a lot of rumors out about this tragic event, I can say yes, there was a car left running in the garage, which was the source of the carbon monoxide. Yes, there were 4 adult males and one adult female, these are the facts, all other information that has been put out is simply not true. Out of respect for the families involved, this office has decided not to release the names of the individuals at this time. We would like to thank all our partners in this investigation, Phelps County Sheriff’s Dept, Phelps Health Ambulance, Missouri Highway Patrol, and Rolla Rural Fire Dept. Their actions saved two victims of this tragic incident. We also greatly appreciate the Crawford County Coroner's office for their mutual aid support, and the facility to store the victims as well. At this time four of the five individuals are en route back to the country of origin. We are working diligently to make sure the final victim's disposition, and destination is achieved appropriately and expediently as possible. Please remember, they were all loved and cherished by their families and this is a very tragic event in their lives. I invite you to pray with us that they find peace, understanding, and closure.

Ernie Coverdell Coroner

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06/20/2026

With the unfortunate events of yesterday, we ask that you keep all those involved in your hearts and prayers. We are working diligently to find next of kin on all the victims. There will be more information as to the unfortunate circumstances of this case at a late date, once we feel confident that we have all the precise information available to share. We want to thank Phelps County Sherrifs office, Phelps Health Ambulance, Rolla Rural Fire Dep, MSHP, and our sincere gratitude goes out to Crawford County Coroner’s office for their assistance and facilities to take the victims to. As this investigation continues we will, along with the Phelps County Sheriff's Dept, be releasing more information on these tragic events.

Thank you,
Ernie Coverdell
Phelps County Coroner

05/01/2026

Our office doingCommunity service today, participating in a Docudrama at Rolla high school trying to make kids aware of the importance of not drinking and driving

04/13/2026

Attending mandated yearly training this week to better serve the citizens of Phelps County stay safe all

03/28/2026

Please don't think for a moment that I have forgotten about A su***de prevention meeting, this year has started off very busy I am currently working on scheduling something very soon thanks for being patient !!

Ernie Coverdell Coroner

03/28/2026

Good morning all! It has been a very busy start to the year, as well as A sad one for many families recently especially, as we move into spring and then to summer people get out in all kinds of recreational venues. Please be careful in all you do! We care about our constituents and their family’s well being. We have lost several lately due to traffic fatalities, one being early this morning. Please be careful! We care!!!
Phelps County Coroners office

12/18/2025

Please don't think we have forgotten about meeting with all of you, that have reached out wanting make a difference in the lives of our young people, I have met with several entities already talking about positive ideas for our teens and young adults. After the Holidays are over, please keep an eye on our page we will be posting a meeting date and we desire and need all of your input and suggestions Have a great Christmas and stay safe <
Ernie Coverdell Coroner

12/18/2025

With the Holidays fast approaching please keep a eye on everyone reach out to friends and family if you don't hear from them let them know they are loved have a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!!
Ernie Coverdell Coroner

11/19/2025

Today my office is deeply saddened by the loss of a life so young!!! There has to be answers why the younger generation feels the need to take their life, it is time that we seek those answers, When I ran for office that was a platform of mine, but it seems that for some reason No one wants to talk about su***de, or the impact it has on the loved ones and friends,
I believe it's time to change this and I accept the challenge but I cannot do it without the community getting behind it including the schools, mental health organizations, and the public.
Please reach out if your intrested
Ernie Coverdell Coroner
And by all means please pray for the family of this unfortunate situation

11/17/2025

In the past several weeks we have had several very sad and untimely Deaths, Accidents, Su***de, Homicide, Fire related death, and many untimely natural deaths. Please join me in lifting up all the families involved in these unfortunate circumstances with your thoughts and prayers. And please weigh all your decisions carefully be safe in all do !!!
Ernie Coverdell Coroner