County coroner

The Coroner's office responds to calls twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to investigate and determine Cause and Manner of Death. This investigation is independent of the sheriff, police, and fire departments, but is done in conjunction with the other entities.

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These investigation happen when any person dies under the following circumstances:

• As result of violence

• By suicide or casualty

• Suddenly when in apparent good health

• When unattended by a physician

• Any suspicious manner

• Any children from birth to 16 years of age.

• Death of inmates that die within 24 hours of been admitted to a hospital

• Any foul play or accidental death

• Take charge of the body

• Pronouncement of death on any of the above circumstances

• Signing of Death Certificates,on manner and cause of death

Howard Sanders

County Coroner

Contact Information

Phone:

(706) 338-4674

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Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 131
Lexington, GA 30648

​A post-mortem examination (autopsy) is ordered by this office only when it is vital in the determination of Cause and Manner of Death. When ordered by this office, a charge for the autopsy is never incurred by the family. The Coroner's Office does not bring revenue into the County, but by signing Death Cerificates, millions of dollars a year is sent to the people on Death Insurance Claims.

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On completion of our Coroner’s investigation and post-mortem examination, the Coroner or his Deputy, upon delivery of a death certificate initiated by the Funeral Home, will complete said death certificate and return the certificate to the Funeral Director who is then responsible for having it certified. The death certificate is then made available to the family following the funeral or services. After that initial period, copies may be purchased from the Oglethorpe County Probate Court by calling 706-743-5350 . The Probate Court is located in the Oglethorpe County Courthouse at 109 E. Boggs Street, Lexington, GA 30648. The Georgia Department of Public Health also can provide death certificates. Click here for more information. 

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If any personal items of the deceased are retained by the Coroner’s Office, you must possess and present a current photo identification card and proof that you are the next of kin or executor of the will to pick up such items. Any prescription medications collected during our investigation will be destroyed following the investigation and not returned to the family.