Coroner
The Honorable Greg Shore
Coroner
Contact the Coroner »
Hon. Greg Shore
Coroner
Ph: (864) 260-4057
Fax: (864) 260-1019
Email: gshore@andersoncountysc.org
Office Location
301 Camson Rd
Anderson, SC 29625
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 8002
Anderson, SC 29622
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner consists of a team of experienced death investigation professionals including an elected Coroner; four deputy Coroners certified nationally by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation; two administrative assistants; and a Medical Examiner who is a board certified forensic pathologist and serves as the agency’s medical director.
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Greg L. Shore, EMT-P, D-ABMDI- Coroner
Mr. Shore began his career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 1992, serving as a Deputy Coroner. Mr. Shore was elected Coroner in 1996 and has served in this capacity since. Mr. Shore is a Paramedic with over 44 years experience and is a certified Death Investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators with over 30 years of experience in death investigations. Mr. Shore completed his training through though the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and from various other agencies. Mr. Shore is a frequent attendee to the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Accident Reconstruction Course. |
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Kyle Shaw, M.D., MBBS- Medical Director/Medical Examiner
Dr. Shaw serves as the Medical Director/Medical Examiner for the Anderson County Office of the Coroner and three additional surrounding counties. Dr. Shaw has over 11 years of experience in Forensic Medicine. Dr. Shaw is certified by the American Board of Pathology with a Specialty in Forensic Medicine. Dr. Shaw completed his training in Sidney, Australia and his fellowship in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Shaw conducts autopsies requested by the Anderson County Office of the Coroner and is considered an expert in the field of medicolegal death investigations. |
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Charlie Boseman, D-ABMDI- Chief Deputy Coroner
Mr. Boseman began His career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 1996, serving as a Deputy Coroner. Mr. Boseman was also promoted to Chief Deputy Coroner in 1996. Mr. Boseman is an Autopsy Technician with over 48 years of experience, specializing in Forensic Autopsies and is a certified Death Investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Mr. Boseman completed his training through the US Navy and the St. Louis Medical University, Medicolegal Death Investigator’s Program. |
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Donald L. McCown, NREMT-P, D-ABMDI, LEO- Senior Investigator/Deputy Coroner
Mr. McCown began his career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 2002, serving as a Deputy Coroner. Mr. McCown is a Nationally Registered Paramedic with over 40 years of EMS experience and holds numerous instructor credentials in Prehospital Medical Care. Mr. McCown is a certified Death Investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, certified Law Enforcement Officer and a certified Child Fatality Investigator with over 18 years of death investigation experience. Mr. McCown completed his training through Clayton College & State University Medicolegal Death Investigators Program, South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and Fox Technical Institute. |
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Josh Shore, AS, BS, NREMT-P- Deputy Coroner
Mr. Shore began his career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 2007, serving as a Deputy Coroner. Mr. Shore is a Nationally Registered Paramedic with over 15 years of EMS experience, and is a Graduate from Greenville Technical College with an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Technology and a graduate of Anderson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management.Mr. Shore has worked with the Office for over three years as a volunteer, assisting investigative staff. He received his commission as Deputy Coroner in 2007. |
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William Brent Simpson , EMT, LEO, CFI- Deputy Coroner
Mr. Simpson began his career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 2018, serving as a Deputy Coroner. Mr. Simpson is a formal Homicide Detective with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and a Arson Investigator with the Anderson County Fire Department with over 15 years of Death investigation experience. Mr. Simpson is a certified Law Enforcement Officer, Certified Firefighter and a Nationally Certified Fire Investigator. Mr. Simpson completed his training through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
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Kathy Burgess, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Burgess began her career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 2003, serving as an Administrative Assistant. Mrs. Burgess, has over 25 years Legal experience and is responsible for the daily activities of the Office. Mrs. Burgess was employed with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office prior to beginning her position. |
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Marti Littlefield, Secretary- Evidence Custodian
Mrs. Littlefield began her career with the Anderson County Office of the Coroner in 2012, serving as a Secretary. Mrs. Littlefield has over 10 years experience in the medical field and managing an office environment. Mrs. Littlefield is responsible for handling various administrative and secretarial functions within the Office. |
Working in a spirit of cooperation, coordination, and communication with local law enforcement as well as other interested parties, this team has raised the standard of death investigation to a new level of excellence here in Anderson County, as well as in the State of South Carolina.
Aside from investigating deaths, the Anderson County Office of the Coroner provides educational lectures and presentations to police, fire and emergency service personnel on both local and statewide levels.
The staff of the Anderson County Office of the Coroner is dedicated to exercising its duties with care, compassion, and understanding towards families in a difficult time of need.
Members of the Anderson County Office of the Coroner serve on numerous committees including the Child Fatality Review Committee, Traffic Fatality Committee, SafeKids Committee, and various others.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner is considered an integral part of a death investigation team and operates as the interface between law and medicine. In accordance with South Carolina Statue/Law, the Anderson County Office of the Coroner requires notification when any death is and/or when:
1. A result of violence.
2. A result of apparent suicide.
3. In apparent good health and/or Unexplained
4. Death is Unattended by a physician.
5. Death is suspicious and/or an unusual manner.
6. An inmate of a penal or correctional institution.
7. A result of stillbirth when unattended by a physician.
8. The Attending Physician is Unable or Unwilling to Certify the Cause of Death.
9. Trauma is Associated With the Death, Such As Traffic Accidents, Gunshots, Falls, Fires, Etc. This Includes Inpatients in Medical Facilities.
10. Death is By Poisoning, Suspected Poisoning, Chemical or Bacteria, Industrial Hazardous Materials or Radiation.
11. A Result of an Industrial Accident
12. Deaths Due to Contagious Disease.
13. Deaths Due to Self-Induced or Unexplained Abortion.
14. Deaths Occur During a Medical Procedure and/or In the Operating Room.
15. All Pediatric Deaths (<18 years) Regardless of Cause
16. Deaths That Occur Within 24 Hours of Admission To A Hospital or Nursing Facility.
17. Deaths in the Custody of Law Enforcement.
18. Deaths of Persons in the Care of A Public Institution
19. Vulnerable Adult dies as a result of abuse or neglect.
WHERE IS MY LOVED ONE TAKEN?
In most cases, the deceased is taken to the morgue used by the County, located at AnMed Health in Anderson, South Carolina. If an autopsy is required, it is performed by a board certified forensic pathologist at AnMed Health Center. When the Office of the Coroner has completed all necessary procedures, the deceased is officially 'released,' at which time the funeral home with which the family has made arrangements is authorized to retrieve the body. In certain circumstances and at the discretion of the Coroner Investigator, the deceased may be released directly to a funeral home or mortuary of the family’s choice. The Anderson County Office of the Coroner staff does not recommend specific funeral homes or mortuaries, this decision rest entirely with the family or next-of-kin of the decedent.
WHY IS THE CORONER INVOLVED?
State law requires the Office of the Coroner to be notified when a death occurs under certain circumstances. The Coroner and/or Deputy Coroners perform an investigation and arrives at the cause and manner of death, and either complete or arrange the completion of the death certificate. Occasionally, more investigation is required, in which case a pending classification is used on the death certificate to allow funeral arrangements to be made in a timely manner.
AM I REQUIRED TO IDENTIFY THE BODY?
Identity of the deceased is usually determined through methods other than visual identification by family or acquaintances, and a visual ID is not required. Only in very rare cases are such identifications required. Should it become necessary for you to come in or bring other records or x-rays, you will be contacted.
WHAT SHOULD I DO RIGHT NOW?
As soon as possible, you should select and communicate with representatives from a funeral home of your choice. These professionals are aware of the difficulties you are experiencing and the stresses that you are under, and will assist you with arrangements. The funeral home will notify the Office of the Coroner that they are handling your arrangements, and we will work closely with them to assure proper transfer of remains.
Our office does not select funeral homes nor do we make funeral arrangements. In the event someone is making arrangements for the family, the Office of the Coroner must be provided with written authorization to release the deceased, signed by the legal next-of-kin.
IS VIEWING ALLOWED?
The Office of the Coroner strongly discourages viewing prior to the deceased being released to a funeral home. While in the custody of the Office of the Coroner, it is imperative that the proper medicolegal procedures be followed without interruption and to their completion. Also the present facility/morgue does not facilitate family viewing.
HOW WILL I GET MY LOVED ONE'S PERSONAL POSSESSIONS BACK?
Personal effects that are on the body in a coroner's case are the jurisdiction of the Office of the Coroner, while other personal effects that may be collected are part of the evidence collection of the involved law enforcement agency (e.g. City Police Department; Sheriff's Office). All coroner case personal effects are accounted for, and are released to the family as soon as possible; there are specific chain-of-custody procedures for the release of valuables. Occasionally clothing will need to be stored as evidence or disposed of if it presents a biohazard.
Decedent medications are secured and destroyed by the Coroner Investigator. Medications and/or Illicit Drug Paraphernalia can not be returned to family.
HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE?
A death certificate can be obtained through your funeral home or from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Department of Vital Records. The Anderson County Coroners Office does not issue death certificates.
WILL AN AUTOPSY BE PERFORMED?
The Coroner and/or Deputy Coroner will decide if an autopsy is necessary, however approximately 75% of deaths we investigate do not require one. We may not perform an autopsy if the cause of death can be determined from other criteria, and is of “natural causes.” If the deceased has been under the care of a physician accessing the medical history, and no suspicion of foul play exists, an autopsy may be waived.
Autopsies are performed when additional investigation is needed to establish the cause and manner of death; autopsies are ALWAYS performed in suspected homicides. A board certified forensic pathologist conducts all autopsies. Each case is unique and handled respectfully on an individual basis. Family consent is not required for an autopsy to be performed; it is the authority of the coroner—possibly in consultation with a pathologist—to order an autopsy.
WHAT IS AN AUTOPSY?
An autopsy is a post-mortem medical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of the body in order to determine or assist in determining the cause and manner of a person's death; it can also provide information on the presence of diseases or injuries that may have been contributing mortality factors.
WILL AN AUTOPSY PREVENT VIEWING AT A FUNERAL?
No. Although incisions are made, they are placed so that they will not be seen; they are also very carefully closed after the procedure just as in surgical procedures. At all times, the decedent is treated with the utmost respect.
HOW LONG BEFORE MY LOVED ONE IS RELEASED FROM THE CORONER'S OFFICE?
Each case is distinct, but under normal circumstances a case not involving autopsy will result in release within 24-48 hours or less. If an autopsy is required, the investigation may take considerably longer, particularly if identification of the individual is an issue. You may contact the Office of the Coroner at (864) 260-4057 to inquire about the status of your case.
CAN I SEE A COPY OF THE AUTOPSY OR CORONER REPORT?
Yes. You can call the Office at (864) 260-4057 to inquire when a report will be ready. An Anderson County Office of the Coroner "Request for Reports" form must be completed and mailed to the Anderson County Office of the Coroner (PO Box 8002; Anderson, SC 29622 and/or emailed to: accoroner@andersoncountysc.org) in order to receive a report. Family may also pick up a copy of the report in person at 301 Camson Road, Anderson, SC 29625.
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?
If your loved one did not have burial funds, the next-of-kin may ask for assistance in government and private sources. Your funeral home can provide you that information.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner does not provide financial resources to handle funeral arrangements. The Office of the Coroner does have an Indigent Cremation Process that is utilized when no family exists and financial means are not available.
WHAT ABOUT MILITARY BENEFITS?
People who served in the Armed Forces may be entitled to veterans benefits. Seek more information from the Veterans Administration (VA) at www.cem.va.gov. Your funeral home will also have that information.
Other frequently asked questions should be referred to the proper agencies as follows:
Local Law Enforcement - custody of weapons involved with deaths
South Carolina Funeral Directors Association - regulations governing burials, cremations, and embalming
WILL I BE CHARGED FOR OTHER CORONER SERVICES?
No. The Anderson County Office of the Coroner is considered a public entity and does not charge for services.
WHAT ABOUT TISSUE / ORGAN DONATION?
Sharing Hope is the designated Tissue/Organ Procurement Organization for South Carolina. We will make an effort to provide information to you about tissue/organ donations and will work diligently with all Tissue/Organ Procurement Organizations. If you are interested in donation, you may call1-800-462-0755. Visit their website at https://sharinghopesc.org.
2016 Annual Report
ANNUAL STATISTICS
|
YEAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
776 |
663 |
55 |
12 |
23 |
15 |
8 |
|
2002 |
775 |
648 |
41 |
36 |
35 |
15 |
0 |
|
2003 |
1071 |
963 |
39 |
31 |
25 |
13 |
0 |
|
2004 |
1227 |
1089 |
43 |
40 |
28 |
27 |
0 |
|
2005 |
1253 |
1121 |
46 |
37 |
28 |
20 |
1 |
|
2006 |
1317 |
1182 |
47 |
35 |
31 |
21 |
1 |
|
2007 |
1526 |
1355 |
59 |
71 |
23 |
17 |
1 |
|
2008 |
1424 |
1301 |
31 |
47 |
22 |
23 |
0 |
|
2009 |
1435 |
1312 |
38 |
50 |
22 |
13 |
0 |
|
2010 |
1582 |
1444 |
37 |
50 |
36 |
15 |
0 |
|
2011 |
1605 |
1455 |
45 |
52 |
35 |
18 |
0 |
|
2012 |
1671 |
1497 |
51 |
71 |
31 |
20 |
1 |
|
2013 |
1687 |
1530 |
29 |
65 |
36 |
24 |
3 |
|
2014 |
1737 |
1584 |
42 |
55 |
35 |
20 |
1 |
|
2015 |
1981 |
1783 |
33 |
76 |
54 |
27 |
8 |
|
2016 |
2017 |
1811 |
59 |
63 |
44 |
31 |
9 |
|
2017 |
1942 |
1700 |
36 |
71 |
36 |
16 |
6 |
