Office of the Coroner

The Kittitas County Coroner’s Office aims to protect the interests of the community. This is achieved in our death investigations by determining the cause, manner, and mechanism of sudden or unexplained deaths, and by identifying deceased persons. Our office notifies next of kin, while ensuring the deceased and their property are treated with care, respect, and dignity.

We accomplish our mission with medicolegal-trained investigators, forensically certified pathologists, and through other scientific methods. We search for the truth by providing an independent investigation with respect to concerns of the family and in accordance with the law. We understand our findings may also impact law enforcement, criminal justice, and public health systems.

Learn more about the Coroner

In Memoriam
Kittitas County Coroner
January 1, 2015 - October 22, 2025
Nicholas "Nick" C. Henderson


January 8, 1957 - October 22, 2025

Nick was the first elected coroner in Kittitas County since 1927, a role previously filled by the county prosecutor until the population crossed over 40,000 residents. He took office on January 1, 2015, with nothing more than a “desk in the corner of the jail and some pencils-but not pencil sharper!” Nick was still serving as the elected Coroner at the time of his death and was looking forward to his retirement at the end of his term in 2026. Nick’s vision for the Kittitas County Coroner’s office came in fruition when the office was accredited by the Internation Association of Corners & Medical Examiners in October 2024. Nick was lifetime resident of the Upper County. He was a consummate storyteller with an encyclopedic knowledge of Upper Kittitas County history. He had a wicked sense of humor. Nick was always up for telling stories or a joke. He cared deeply about the citizens of Kittitas County. He was loved by many an icon to all who knew him.
He will be sorely missed.