LaPorte County Coroner

LaPorte County Coroner Information for the public about the LaPorte County Coroners office and information we release for Public Safety.

05/24/2026

For many people, mental health conversations happen in an office, a classroom, or even online.

For us - Medicolegal Death Professionals - they often happen in silence.

In the car after a scene.

In the shower trying to wash the smell off.

At 3am staring at the ceiling replaying what you saw.

At a child death.

At a su***de.

At an overdose.

At the notification you can’t forget.

This profession changes people.

Not because we are weak.

Because we are repeatedly exposed to trauma most people will never witness once…let alone thousands of times.

And yet many in this field still feel like they have to “just deal with it.”

No support. No decompression. No understanding. Just move on to the next call.

That has to change.

Mental health is not weakness.

Burnout is not failure.

Compassion fatigue is real.

PTSD is real.

And the emotional toll of this work deserves acknowledgment, support, and resources.

At Last Responder, we believe the people investigating death deserve support while trying to survive the weight of it.

Because the last responders deserve a first line of support.

If you are struggling, you are not alone.

And if you work beside someone carrying this job heavily, check on them.

💚💜🩶🖤💚💜🩶🖤

Please continue to share and contact me for questions.These quilts will be given to the family to keep.
05/24/2026

Please continue to share and contact me for questions.These quilts will be given to the family to keep.

Please share this with any quilters you know, and thank you for your support.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Samuelson and his family.
05/22/2026

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Samuelson and his family.

This morning, La Porte County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Samuelson was shot three times, in the line of duty, in Michigan City.

My heart goes out to Deputy Samuelson, his family, and the entire La Porte County Sheriff's Office . He is currently in critical condition.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, and a suspect is in custody. The Indiana State Police-Lowell Post is handling the investigation and all public information releases—please direct any questions to them.

Please pray for Deputy Samuelson, his family, and our community.

Please share this with any quilters you know, and thank you for your support.
05/22/2026

Please share this with any quilters you know, and thank you for your support.

05/20/2026

Every Deputy Coroner in our office is a Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI), this is why I advocate tirelessly for our office. Indiana includes us as First Responders, but we will always be Last Responders.

Attempting to locate next of kin for David Lee Shelton, 64 y.o. black male.  Date of birth 7-25-1960.  Last known addres...
05/08/2026

Attempting to locate next of kin for David Lee Shelton, 64 y.o. black male. Date of birth 7-25-1960. Last known address Dunes Inn 3934 N. Frontage Rd. Michigan City, IN. Previous address 413 E. 10th St. Apt. B Michigan City, IN. If you have information contact the LaPorte County Coroners office 219-326-6808 or private message here.

05/07/2026

So true for all of us.

Public Alert****This drug was recently detected in a deceased person in LaPorte County.
04/27/2026

Public Alert****

This drug was recently detected in a deceased person in LaPorte County.

Support is available, please reach out. You are important.We will post available support groups, hope you find one that ...
02/24/2026

Support is available, please reach out. You are important.

We will post available support groups, hope you find one that fits your needs.

02/13/2026

Su***de Deaths in LaPorte County Reach Record High

LaPorte, Indiana — The LaPorte County Coroner's Office is reporting a significant and concerning increase in su***de deaths across LaPorte County communities, including LaPorte and Michigan City.

In 2025, the county recorded 33 su***de deaths, compared to 21 in 2024, marking a 57% increase in just one year. As of early 2026, six additional su***de deaths have already been confirmed.

“These are not just numbers — they are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family members,” said Lynn Swanson, LaPorte County Coroner, and Medicolegal Death Investigator. “The impact of each loss is deeply felt throughout LaPorte and Michigan City, and it underscores the urgent need for awareness and support.”

Local data reflects a broader statewide concern. According to the Indiana Department of Health, su***de remains one of the leading causes of death in Indiana, particularly among young people and working-age adults. Rural and mid-sized communities across the state continue to experience elevated su***de rates.

The Coroner’s Office is urging residents in LaPorte County to recognize warning signs that someone may be struggling, including:
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Significant mood changes
• Talking about wanting to die or harm themselves

Community members are encouraged to check in on one another and seek help early. Support is available locally:
• Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7 confidential support)
• Swanson Center – Michigan City: 219-879-4621
• Swanson Center – LaPorte: 219-362-2145
• After-Hours Crisis Line: 219-871-9975

The Coroner’s Office will continue working with local healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations in both LaPorte and Michigan City to promote prevention efforts and expand awareness of available resources.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Reaching out can save a life.

Address

809 State Street Suite E3-20
Laporte, IN
46350

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