The Hillsdale/Lenawee County Medical Examiner investigated 129 deaths in Hillsdale County in 2025.
That’s according to the annual report from Chief Medical Examiner Dr. John C. Maino II.
He spoke during Tuesday’s meeting of the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners.
The investigations accounted for about 31% of the county’s 419 total deaths during the year.
The office performed autopsies on 30% of the cases it handled.
The report showed that 81% of the investigated deaths were from natural causes. Accidental deaths made up 8%, while suicides accounted for 7%. The remaining deaths were listed as “indeterminate,” as no homicides were investigated in 2025.
In his report, Maino said 85% of the investigated deaths involved individuals over the age of 50.
Men accounted for 65% of the total cases.
Among the accidental deaths, 60% resulted from motor vehicle crashes. Falls caused 10% of accidental deaths, and asphyxia caused 20%.
Firearms were used in 67% of the county’s suicides, which occurred most frequently among individuals between the ages of 30 and 59. Men represented 89% of suicides.
Maino, who serves both Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties, said the data helps local leaders track how deaths occur to better support a safe and healthy community.
The county is projected to spend around $91,500 on autopsies in 2026.
Maino projected a significant increase in the cost for 2027, with an increase from the current $1,500 per autopsy to $1,800.
He said the projected maximum total costs for all autopsies performed in 2027 will be closer to $110,000.
