Coroner

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Coroner

To reach the on-duty coroner please contact dispatch at 636-528-6100

Welcome to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office Website

As your Coroner, I want to personally welcome you to our new website. The Lincoln County Coroner’s Office is dedicated to serving our community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Our role is not just about investigations—it’s about people, families, and ensuring that every case is handled with care and respect. We are fortunate to have an amazing team of highly trained investigators with extensive medical backgrounds, each committed to providing answers and closure during life’s most difficult moments. Whether working with law enforcement, medical professionals, or grieving families, our mission is to serve with dignity and dedication.

Beyond investigations, we take a proactive approach to preventing unnecessary deaths in our community. We are proud to offer Narcan to citizens and first responders, giving them a life-saving tool to combat opioid overdoses. We also support the DEA’s Drug Take Back Program, helping remove dangerous and unused medications from homes to prevent drug abuse and accidental poisonings. Our commitment goes beyond our daily responsibilities—we are here to educate, assist, and make a positive impact. This website is designed to be a resource for you, and we encourage you to reach out at any time with questions or concerns. No matter the circumstance, know that we are here to serve and support you.

Duties of the Coroner….

To Investigate Certain Types of Deaths:

Homicide
Suicide
Accidental
Criminal Abortions (including those self-induced)
Unforeseen Sudden Occurrence (not seen by physician 36 hours preceding death)
Custody Deaths (while in custody of law enforcement)
Penal Deaths (lethal injection / legal execution)
Child Deaths (under age of 18)
Unusual or Suspicious Manner Deaths
Occur in Non-licensed Health Care Facilities

Special Duties of the Coroner….

Operate Efficient Coroner’s Office
Prepare a Budget for Income and Expenditures
To be Conservator of Peace (throughout his or her county)
To Execute Process When Sheriff Disqualified (when Sheriff is a party / involved)
To Perform Duties of Sheriff When Office is Vacant (by death or otherwise)
To Hold Coroner’s Inquest / Coroner’s Jury
To Issue Warrant to Summon Coroner’s Jury (Coroner inquest)
Coroner to Administer Oath to Jurors
Coroner to Issue Subpoenas (witnesses)
Order Postmortem Examination (autopsy)
Certify Cause and Manner of Death (death certificate)
Order Blood Sample Test for Alcohol & Drug Content (all motor vehicle fatalities)
Report Toxicology results in writing to Missouri State Highway Patrol
Procure Organ Donations (procurement of cadaver organ and tissue donation)

Meet Our Staff

Dan Heavin

County Coroner

Stephanie Wahoski

Chief Deputy Coroner

Shanna Doherty

Deputy Coroner

Dustin Gibbs

Deputy Coroner

Dan Heavin

County Coroner

Dan Heavin brings a wealth of experience in public safety, death investigation, and emergency response to his role as the Lincoln County Missouri Coroner. With an extensive background spanning the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office and fire and EMS services, Dan has dedicated his career to serving the community with professionalism and compassion.

As Coroner for Lincoln County, Dan oversees all aspects of death investigations, including determining the cause and manner of death, working closely with law enforcement agencies, and providing essential information to families during difficult times. With a commitment to meticulous investigation and ethical practice, Dan has developed a reputation for thoroughness and integrity in every case. Dan is also the current president of the Missouri Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s Association.

Prior to his tenure in the Coroner’s Office, Dan served as Assistant Fire Chief of Operations in Afghanistan, where he led critical emergency response initiatives and coordinated large-scale operations under high-pressure conditions. This role honed his skills in leadership, crisis management, and strategic planning, which have been invaluable in both their fire service and coroner responsibilities.

Dan is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying at the forefront of advancements in forensic science and emergency management. His unique combination of expertise in death investigation and fire and EMS services underscores his dedication to safeguarding the community and supporting families during life’s most challenging moments.

Dan resides in Lincoln County Missouri and continues to be an advocate for public safety and education in their community.

Stephanie Wahoski

Chief Deputy Coroner

Stephanie is a full-time paramedic for Warren County Ambulance District and has been a paramedic since 1999. She is currently employed part-time for the St. Louis City Medical Examiner’s Office as a death investigator for the past 17 years. She brings a wealth of investigative knowledge to this office, strong work ethics and knowledge of administrative policies, procedures, and state statutes. She has been married for 20 years, has 2 adult children, and 4 (very large) fur-babies! In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Shanna Doherty

Deputy Coroner

Hello friends! My name is Shanna. Let me first express my gratitude for this community, the people who live in it and most of all, the people who serve it.

I’m a big fan of animals. It doesn’t matter what kind, I respect them. My favorite hobbies are crafting and family time. I never get enough of either.

Remember this: Whatever you do, do it well, do it often, and do it with kindness.