Kendall County, IL

Under Illinois state law, the county coroner is charged with the investigation of all deaths which are sudden, suspicious, violent, unexpected, or might be considered a threat to public health and safety, as well as deaths in which the deceased is not under the care of a licensed physician. The Coroner's Office serves as a law enforcement agency and operates in accordance with the Illinois Coroners Act (55 ILCS 5/).

In addition to its legal responsibilities, the Coroner’s Office is committed to serving the residents of Kendall County with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Each investigation is conducted with care and attention to detail, recognizing the importance of providing answers to families during difficult times. The Office works closely with public safety partners, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure a coordinated and respectful response in every case.

As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Kendall County continues to see an increasing need for thorough and timely death investigations. The Coroner’s Office remains dedicated to adapting to these changes by embracing advancements in forensic science, improving investigative practices, and maintaining transparency with the community it serves.

Jacquie Purcell is the 25th individual to serve as Coroner since the County was established in 1841. The Office operates 24 hours a day and is located in Yorkville on the campus of the John Street County Government Complex, ensuring it is always available to respond when needed.

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Medical Professionals: When reporting the passing of a patient, please immediately call (630) 553-4200 (24/7) and follow the prompts for reporting a death.

Address: Kendall County Forensic Science Center
               804 W. John St., Ste. A, Yorkville, IL 60560
               (Directly behind the Public Safety Center)
               

Phone:    (630) 553-4200
Fax:         (630) 553-4116
Email:     Click here to Contact Us

Administrative Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm (excluding government holidays)

On-Call Staff/Investigator Hours:
24 hours-a-day

Medical Professionals: When reporting the passing of a patient, please immediately call (630)553-4200 (24/7) and follow the prompts for reporting a death.

The Deaths Which Must Be Reported

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office asks that all deaths occurring within the County be reported as soon as possible, regardless of the circumstances. This ensures that each situation can be reviewed promptly and handled appropriately. In some cases, after an initial assessment, the on-call investigator may determine that the death can be referred back to the individual’s primary care physician. These are referred to as “jurisdiction declined” cases.

The following are examples of situations that may require a formal investigation by the Coroner’s Office:

• Individuals who are deceased upon arrival at a hospital, nursing home, residence, or other location
• Deaths that occur suddenly or as the result of violence in any setting, including at home, in public places, or in the workplace
• Deaths resulting from injuries such as trauma, burns, exposure to chemicals, electrical incidents, radiation, drowning, or suffocation
• Maternal or fetal deaths involving suspected criminal activity, including illegal procedures or crimes of a sexual nature
• Deaths where alcohol or drug use may have contributed
• Deaths where the individual has not been under the care of a physician within the past year
• Deaths occurring shortly after exposure to a contagious disease (with certain exceptions, such as COVID-19)
• Deaths occurring within 24 hours of hospital admission
• Deaths occurring in institutional settings, including mental health facilities, correctional institutions, or state-supported care facilities
• Any death where the circumstances are unclear, unexpected, or raise concern

This list is intended as a general guide and does not include every possible situation. If there is ever any uncertainty about whether a death should be reported, individuals are encouraged to contact the Coroner’s Office. Staff are available 24 hours a day to provide guidance and ensure each case is handled with care, respect, and professionalism.