Spencer County Coroner's Office

06/16/2026

The Spencer County Coroner’s Office is pleased to announce the successful repurposing of a surplus county vehicle. Formerly an ambulance, this unit has been thoughtfully converted into a dedicated removal and investigation vehicle, fully equipped with the essential tools and supplies needed to support our Coroners in the performance of their duties.

This accomplishment was made possible through the support and cooperation of Spencer County EMS Director Jane Stout, and with the approval of the Spencer County Commissioners and County Council. Their commitment to public service and interagency collaboration is sincerely appreciated.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ohio Valley 2 Way Radio and Klem Signs & Restyling for their valuable contributions in preparing and outfitting the vehicle. In addition to County Highway and Chris Anderson for your preparations.

This addition enhances our ability to serve the community with professionalism, efficiency, and dignity, further strengthening our commitment to Spencer County.

Sincerely Grateful,

Layla C. Thayer, Coroner and Staff

06/15/2026

The experience of grief is a deeply personal and often complex journey. Saint Meinrad Archabbey is offering a valuable opportunity designed to enhance your understanding of the various facets of grief and to equip you with practical strategies for fostering your well-being and resilience during this profoundly challenging time.

🕊️ Learn more at griefshare.org

05/25/2026

05/15/2026

We are constantly asked what is the difference between a Coroner and Medical Examiner?

Here’s the simple reality:

Both systems exist to serve the dead, protect the living, and answer difficult questions when someone dies unexpectedly.

Both carry enormous responsibility.

Both see trauma most people never witness.

Both work cases that stay with them forever.

The titles are different.
The structures are different.
The mission is the same.

A Coroner is often an elected or appointed public official responsible for overseeing or investigating certain deaths as depicted by state law. Depending on the jurisdiction, coroners may have medical, investigative, or law enforcement backgrounds and they work closely with forensic pathologists and other agencies.

A Medical Examiner is typically a physician - usually a forensic pathologist - also appointed to oversee death investigations and determine cause and manner of death through medical examination and autopsy.

The big difference is Medical Examiners are physicians who may perform autopsies themselves, while Coroners typically hire or contract with forensic pathologists to perform autopsies.

But here’s what the public often misses:

Neither system works alone.

Behind every death investigation are entire teams:

Medicolegal death investigators
Autopsy personnel
Forensic pathologists
Coroners
Medical examiners
Toxicologists
Administrators
Scene investigators
Law enforcement partners
Funeral homes
Transport teams

And regardless of the patch, badge, degree, or title…these professionals are often carrying unimaginable emotional weight while still showing up for families during the worst moments of their lives.

The “Coroner vs Medical Examiner” argument misses the bigger picture.

The real issue is ensuring ALL medicolegal death professionals have:

- Proper resources

- Training access

- Mental health support

- Staffing

- Professional recognition

- Sustainable systems that protect both families and investigators

Different systems. Same purpose.

Just people doing one of the hardest jobs in public service.

05/06/2026

NEW MASS NOTIFICATION ALERT is now ready for Spencer County!

RAVE ALERT/SMART911 has replaced Code Red for Weather Alerts and Public Safety Notifications.

SMART911 allows you to create a safety profile of valuable information you want to provide 911 Dispatch and First Responders. You can put as much information as you want or as little, it’s up to you. It’s private and secure and will only be seen by the 911 Dispatch screen when you make the emergency call. SMART911 only asks for information that is relevant to aid in emergency response and will quickly provide responders with important information for medical conditions.

RAVE ALERT allows you to opt in to geo-based severe weather alerts that is directly linked to the National Weather Service when a warning is issued and allows you to receive alerts that affect the location you choose.

This first link is for those who need to create a new account. Click on the link and follow the prompts. It will give you an option of which alerts you want to receive and how you want to receive them.
• Registration URL: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=spencercountyema

This link is a login for those who may already have a SMART911 account and you need to update it for Spencer County alerts.
• Login URL: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/login.action?pa=spencercountyema

RAVE and SMART911 are linked and when you create your account, it’s for both options. You decide what information you want to provide for SMART911, but you have to opt-in for the weather alerts and public safety alerts for those notifications.

If you have any questions, contact us at (812) 649-6020 and we will be happy to help. If we don’t know an answer, we will get it for you. We are learning about this new system as well but wanted to get the weather alert option out as quickly as possible.

04/28/2026

Troopers Investigate Evening Fatal Crash Near Saint Meinrad

Spencer County – Monday evening, April 27th, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Indiana State Police and Spencer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 162 North of State Road 62. This is just West of Saint Meinrad.

Preliminary investigation indicated Amber Gogel, 37, of Dale, was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Northbound on SR 162 and Amanda Kern, 40, of Dale, was driving a 2014 Dodge Durango Southbound on SR 162. The Trailblazer allegedly went left of center, striking the Durango head-on in the Southbound lane. Gogel died on scene from her injuries. Kern was transported to Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper by ambulance for serious injuries and is listed in “Stable Condition.”

Authorities have made death notifications to the family and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning. This crash is still under investigation.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Levi Hupp, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers: Senior Trooper Tatum Rohlfing and Trooper Jack Fischer
Assisting Agencies: Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Claus Police Department, Spencer County Coroner, Spencer County EMS, and Jaws Towing of Santa Claus

Our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Amber M. Gogel. Extending our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

02/03/2026

The work of the Coroner can sometimes seem unclear, but this graphic offers a meaningful look into the process behind every case we handle.

From the initial report to responding on scene, carefully documenting findings, and working to determine the cause and manner of death, each investigation follows a thorough and deliberate process. Every step is important, and every case is approached with care and professionalism.

What this image cannot fully convey is the human side of our work. Beyond the investigative process, we spend significant time supporting families—answering questions, offering guidance, and helping them navigate one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

While no single graphic can capture everything we do, this provides a strong snapshot of the work that takes place behind every case, every day, in service to our community.