Death results in conflict between police, Blackford coroner

HARTFORD CITY, Ind. — The death of a Hartford City woman has resulted in a conflict between Blackford County Coroner Zach Crouch and Hartford City police.

Crouch said Saturday that in the wake of the Thursday death, police were "unprofessional in front of family and there is obvious tension between them and my office."

One officer was reportedly asked to leave the scene and refused to do so.

Crouch said there were no indications the 66-year-old woman's death was the result of foul play.

She had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19. An autopsy conducted Saturday showed the woman had coronary artery disease "and had suffered a previous heart attack," the coroner said.

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"As of now, it will be a COVID-related death pending toxicology (tests)," he said.

Regarding the conflict with police, "further legal aid and counsel is being looked into," he said.

"Regardless of personal feelings we must work together for the better good of the family," the coroner said.

An effort to reach police officials for comment on Saturday was unsuccessful.

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Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Death results in conflict between Hartford City PD, Blackford coroner