Coroner News


James "Jimmy" Roberts

D-ABMDI, Coroner

County Coroner
Jimmy Roberts
Work: 208-782-3040
Coroner@binghamid.gov

Coroner's Office
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General Information
Staff Directory
Phone Numbers
208-782-3040
Fax: 208-684-6275
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
501 N Maple St.
#303
Blackfoot,
ID
83221
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Safe Sleep Saves Lives: Protect Your Baby

As coroners, we’ve seen firsthand the heartbreaking consequences of unsafe sleep practices. Positional asphyxiation — when a baby’s airway becomes blocked due to their sleeping position — is a tragedy that can be prevented with a few simple steps:
  1. Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, nap, and bedtime.
  2. Clear the Crib: Keep the crib free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumpers. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is all they need.
  3. Room Share, Not Bed Share: Keep your baby’s sleep space in your room but on a separate, flat surface like a crib or bassinet.
  4. No Inclined Sleepers: Babies should sleep on a flat surface — no car seats, swings, or loungers for unsupervised sleep.
We have many in our county that prefer co-sleeping habits, and it is certainly a common trend in many cultures. These practices have risks that that should be acknowledged. We want every parent to know the recommended ways to keep their baby safe.  Following these guidelines can help prevent devastating loss and protect our little ones. Let’s work together to spread awareness and make sure every baby sleeps safely.


To learn more about safe sleeping habits, visit: Homepage | Safe to Sleep 

Take A Moment to Check-In

In recent months, our office has responded to heartbreaking cases—residents who passed away alone, undiscovered for days. These were our neighbors, people who once laughed, shared stories, and lived among us. No one should leave this world unnoticed.
Please, take a moment to check on those who may be isolated—an elderly neighbor, a reclusive friend, someone who doesn’t have family nearby. A simple knock on the door or a quick phone call can make all the difference... 
Signs your neighbors could use a check-in:
-Excessive mail piling up
-Unkept landscaping
-change in habits
-pets and animals not cared for
We are a community, and communities take care of their own. Let’s make sure no one is forgotten.

Suicide: Let's Talk About It

Too often, our office sees the devastating impact of suicide—lives lost, families shattered, and a community left asking, what could we have done?
The truth is, we can do something. A simple conversation, a check-in, or even just letting someone know they’re not alone can save a life. Mental health struggles are real but so is hope. If you notice a friend, neighbor, or loved one withdrawing, reach out. Listen without judgment. Remind them they matter.
Suicides in Bingham in 2024
18 total (3 Female / 15 Male)
12 by Firearm
4 by Asphyxia
2 by Drug overdose
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 for support. You are not alone, and your life is worth fighting for.

Proper Disposal Of Old Or Unused Medications


A Message from the Bingham County Coroner "Jimmy" Roberts 
I urge our community to properly dispose of old or unused medications and to provide recent medications after a loved one has passed. Your help can make a difference in protecting public safety and aiding in determining cause of death.
Proper Disposal Matters
Expired or unused medications can be dangerous if left around the home. They can pose risks of accidental ingestion, misuse, or environmental contamination. Medications can be disposed of at drop boxes located in the courthouse across from the DMV, Blackfoot Fire department and also at the police station in Shelley
Why Medications Matter in Death Investigations
During an investigation, recent medications are critical in determining:
  • Cause of Death – Medications can reveal underlying medical conditions, prescription history, or potential overdose risks. as well as showing a history of what medications were used or not used.
  • Manner of Death – Toxicology reports help determine whether a death was natural, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal.
  • Time of Death – Some drugs metabolize at known rates, helping forensic experts estimate when a person passed away.
If a loved one has passed its important to ensure all current medications are available to assist the process. Your cooperation helps us provide accurate findings and bring closure to families.
For additional questions about medication disposal, contact your local pharmacy or law enforcement agency.
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Have the Conversation Before It's Too Late

Have the Conversation Before It’s Too Late
Losing a loved one is never easy, but taking the time to discuss end-of-life preparations can relieve some of the burden when that difficult time comes. One of the best gifts you can give your family is clarity—knowing your wishes and having key information ready for when it’s needed.
When a death occurs, funeral homes need some immediate details to serve the family efficiently:
✅ Full legal name of the decedent
✅ Date and place of birth
✅ Social Security number
✅ Veteran status and discharge papers (if applicable)
✅ Parents' names (including mother’s maiden name)
✅ Spouse’s name (if married)
✅ Prearranged funeral plans: How a decedent is prepared is important for what steps the funeral home takes next. A question you will be asked is if there are plans for burial or cremation. This is an important question as preparation is different and needs to be started right away.
In our community, we are fortunate to have Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot and Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley—both offering compassionate, professional services in times of loss. Their dedication ensures that families receive the care and respect they deserve. We should all be grateful for their commitment to helping us navigate these challenging moments with dignity and grace.
Take time today to talk to your loved ones. It’s a conversation that will bring peace of mind when it matters most. 

Water Safety in Bingham County

Water Safety in Bingham County: A Message from Coroner Jimmy Roberts
Every year, lives are lost in our rivers, reservoirs, and canals—tragedies that are often preventable. Idaho’s beautiful waterways are a source of fun, but they also carry hidden dangers. As the weather warms, we urge you to take water safety seriously.

Canal Safety: Stay Away, Stay Alive: Canals are NOT for swimming. 
The currents are stronger than they appear, and steep, slippery banks make escape nearly impossible. Even strong swimmers can be pulled under in seconds. If you see someone fall in, don’t jump in after them—call 911 immediately and try to reach them with a rope or pole.
Electrical Hazards: Water & Power Don't Mix
Power lines often run near irrigation ditches, irrigation pumps, docks, and marinas. Keep an eye out for overhead wires when using boats or fishing poles, and NEVER swim near docks with electrical connections—faulty wiring can turn the water into a deadly trap.
Lakes & Rivers: Respect the Water
Always wear a life jacket—even if you’re a strong swimmer.
Beware of cold shock—Idaho’s waters stay dangerously cold, even in summer.
Watch for hidden debris—logs and rocks can trap or injure you.
Never boat, swim, or float under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Protect Our Kids
Most drowning victims in Idaho were children. A few seconds of distraction can mean a lifetime of heartbreak. Always supervise kids near water—drowning is silent, not the thrashing struggle movies portray.
Each of these warnings comes from real losses in our community. No one ever thinks it will happen to them… until it does. Please, take water safety seriously. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
One preventable tragedy is one too many. Let’s work together to make this a safe summer.

Coroner 2024 Annual Report

Welcome to our Annual Report for the year 2024!

The Bingham County Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report serves as a comprehensive account of the activities, achievements, and critical findings of the Coroner's Office over the past year. This report is intended to inform the Board of Commissioners, the citizens of Bingham County, and relevant stakeholders about the essential services provided by the Coroner's Office in investigating and certifying deaths, enhancing public health and safety, and supporting community well-being.

The document highlights key statistics, such as the number and types of deaths investigated, trends in natural and unnatural causes, and emerging public health concerns. It also outlines the professional development of the office staff through advanced education and training and details ongoing collaborations with law enforcement, forensic agencies, and public health organizations.

A notable focus of the report is on the office’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of medicolegal death investigations. It underscores the role of these investigations in uncovering hazards, preventing future fatalities, and contributing to public safety policies. Furthermore, the report explores the office’s participation in suicide prevention initiatives, child fatality reviews, and professional education programs, which reflect its broader commitment to community service.

Through this report, the Coroner's Office reaffirms its dedication to transparency, professionalism, and excellence in service to the citizens of Bingham County.


Coroner 2024 Annual Report.pdf 

Let's Make 2025 the Year of Wellness

As we step into the new year, 2025 offers a fresh opportunity to prioritize what truly matters—our health, happiness, and well-being. Wellness is no longer just about physical fitness; it’s a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. This year, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-care, mindfulness, and growth, with the goal of creating a balanced and fulfilling life. 

With a focus on sustainable habits and the power of positive change, 2025 is your chance to embrace a wellness routine that fits your unique lifestyle. Whether through healthier nutrition, regular movement, mental clarity practices, or deeper connections with those around you, the possibilities for enhancing your well-being are endless. The Bingham County Coroner's Office is actively involved with various community outreach groups, coalitions, and committees to provide opportunities to improve the wellbeing of all members of the community. 

Let's make 2025 the year of wellness—a year where we prioritize the care of ourselves and others, forging paths toward a brighter, healthier future. 

Here are the upcoming events that are free and open to the public. We would love to see you there!

Upcoming Events for the Community

January 2025