Updated on
Testing & SC Data (COVID-19)
DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory receives samples from healthcare providers to be tested for COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some private labs in South Carolina to also conduct this CDC-approved testing for COVID-19. These labs are required to report cases of the virus to DHEC. Click here to visit scdhec.gov
PRESS RELEASE
Coroner Gary Watts is seeking members to join (C.A.R.E.) Team
Updated on June 3, 2020 Richland County Coroner Gary Watts is seeking members to join our Community Awareness Response Education (C.A.R.E.) Team. As a member you’ll help provide comfort to surviving family members and their friends through a partnership with area ministers and grief counselors. The C.A.R.E. Team is the vision of Coroner Gary Watts. >>>Read more
Releasing the name of the individual who died on Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Updated on April 10, 2020 Richland County Coroner Gary Watts is releasing the name of the individual who died on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 after an officer involved shooting. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 P.M. near the 4800 block of Monticello Road. Joshua Dariandre Ruffin, date of birth 07/01/2002 of Hanbury Drive, Columbia S.C. >>>Read more
Releasing the name of the person who died on Friday, April 3, 2020 after being involved in a tragic ATV incident
Updated on April 6, 2020 Richland County Coroner Gary Watts is releasing the name of the person who died on Friday, April 3, 2020 after being involved in a tragic ATV incident. Columbia/Richland Fire and South Carolina Highway Patrol responded just before 6:00 P.M. to Ridge Crest Court and found an unresponsive male victim lying >>>Read more
Releasing the name of the individual who died on Sunday, April 5, 2020 after being involved in a shooting incident
Updated on April 6, 2020 Richland County Coroner Gary Watts is releasing the name of the individual who died on Sunday, April 5, 2020 after being involved in a shooting incident. Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the 100 block of Green Tree Drive just after 3:00 A.M. in reference to a shots fired >>>Read more
NEWS
Bodies could start to stack up from the coronavirus. Coroners and funeral homes say they’re ready.
Updated on April 10, 2020 DENVER – America’s long history of violent death – from car crashes and hurricanes to terror attacks and mass shootings – has left its coroners and funeral directors well-prepared for handling bodies that could stack up from the coronavirus outbreak, they say.Read More On USA TODAY
Coroners worry Covid-19 test shortages could lead to uncounted deaths
Updated on April 10, 2020 (CNN) Jill Romann, the coroner in Douglas County, Colorado, was so desperate for coronavirus tests that she began calling hospitals in the middle of the night to avoid management, begging whoever was on duty for one or two test kits.Her total collection reached about 13 before the hospitals caught on >>>Read more
Richland County Coroner’s Office has received accreditation
Updated on October 9, 2013 Richland County Coroner’s Office has received accreditation The International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners announced today that the Richland County Coroner’s Office has received accreditation by the association. The Richland County Coroner’s Office self submitted to this process for the purpose of ensuring the operating policies, procedures and practices >>>Read more
