Phelps County Coroner

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

11/17/2025

I haven't posted in awhile, but I wanted to take a minute to let our constituents know about a few things. There has been alot of things have taken place that have made me lose faith in the system and my ability to do the job of Coroner as effectively and efficiently as the citizens of this county deserve. I still try to do everything possible to assist families and loved ones to the best of my ability and within the constraints placed on me by those that feel they know what this job consist of.
This office plays a very important part in determining Cause and Manor of death as well as assisting loved ones when they need someone who cares to help them through the process of dying and death, whether it be assisting with the next steps, transportation, communication with facilities or protecting the assets of the deceased. We feel we are the voice of the deceased. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past several years and would appreciate your continued support as we try to move this office in a direction that is good for everyone.

Ernie Coverdell, Coroner

07/22/2025

Hello from Vegas. As deputy coroner, I am attending the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners Annual conference. Into my third day of training and learning some amazing things!!

07/04/2025

This afternoon Coroner was dispatched to the 172 East bound for a one vehicle crash involving a female not from this area.the victim ran off the right side of the road and overturned several times and was ejected from the vehicle, unfortunately she did not survive.It was determined that she was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the incident, investigation by this office will continue,
At this time, it is our beleif that the victim suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident notification has been made to NOK, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and please be safe on this Holiday weekend , wear your seat belts while traveling arrive alive!!!

Phelps county Coroners office

06/16/2025

Today, June 15, 2025 at approximately 1330 our office was called to assist Crawford County Coroner in response to a tragic multiple-fatality accident.

This devastating incident claimed the lives of four individuals and a dog. Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all who perished.

We also ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers all those affected by this tragedy — not only the families, but also the first responders who answered the call. EMS personnel, fire departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, wrecker services, and tow truck operators all bear the emotional weight of days like this.

Please join us in lifting up every person touched by this heartbreaking event. 💔

— Phelps County Coroner’s Office

04/24/2025

On 4/7/2025 Coroner was notified of a male subject that was found unresponsive in the Phelps County jail, The subject was transported to Phelp's health and then life flighted to Mercy St louis, where he was pronounced brain dead 0n 4/8/2025. after investigation by this office and DDCC it was determined that the subject was a Columbian National on Ice hold, it was further determined that the subject took his own life while in custody. the evidence is irrefutable; in this case, the family has been contacted and are informed of the facts in the case Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers
Phelps County Coroner's office

please understand that the investigation has determined that there was no negligence on behalf of the jail staff

04/08/2025