CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick responded to almost 80 cases in 2023 related to deaths by unnatural causes. These include homicide, suicide, overdose, motor vehicle crash fatality, aircraft fatality, drowning and other (accident/pending, etc.)
Kilpatrick said that in 2023 in Cullman County, there were 21 suicides, 21 overdoses, 21 motor vehicle crash fatalities, one aircraft fatality, seven accidents (including two drownings), five homicides and three cases pending determination of the cause of death.
According to Kilpatrick, 2022 numbers in Cullman County were comparable to 2023 numbers. In 2022, there were 17 suicides, 29 overdoses, one homicide and 30 traffic fatalities.
Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta provided specific numbers for the city.
“In 2023 we had one suicide, six overdoses, four motor vehicle fatalities, three homicides – one was the accidental death at Publix,” Nassetta said. “In 2022, we had one suicide, zero overdoses, one homicide and two motor vehicle fatalities.”
Nassetta said he immediately noticed the difference in the numbers of overdoses between 2022-2023.
“The last three to four months, we have noticed many overdoses occurring in comparison to 2022.” Nassetta said. “I believe the issue we are seeing is some of the drug overdoses are related to the drugs being laced with fentanyl, but I can’t say for sure until the toxicology reports confirm that. The one thing I can add is that if we can raise awareness about the issue of fentanyl being used in the illicit manufacture of narcotics then maybe it will discourage their use and or encourage abusers to get treatment for the addiction.”
Nassetta encouraged the community to take part and take note of situations that might require residents to provide help.
“Mental health is a tricky issue and oftentimes, if someone is thinking about suicide they have already decided that there is no help for them,” he said. “It is up to friends and family to recognize the situation and do what they can to reverse those feelings so that the struggling individual is willing to get help.”
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office shared that absence of social connections significantly compromises the health and longevity of the individual.
“Loneliness and social isolation, according to the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, increase the risk of premature mortality by 26% and 29%, respectively,” said Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, Lt. Chad Whaley, back in November. “However, many individuals are frequently left with only recollections of departed loved ones or those with whom they have lost contact with. We can assist those in our community by maintaining regular contact with them throughout the year.”
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