Campbell County, Ky. – The Kentucky Coroner’s Association (KCA) confirmed on Thursday that Campbell County Coroner Mark Schweitzer has died. The association also reported the passing of Graves County Deputy Coroner Scott Awbery.
Service and Community Impact
Schweitzer, first elected in 1998, was seeking re‑election in 2026 at the time of his death. His long tenure included overseeing investigations into sudden and unexpected deaths, providing closure for families, and supporting law‑enforcement agencies across the county.
Awbery, a deputy coroner in neighboring Graves County, served alongside Schweitzer in regional collaborations that helped streamline death investigations and improve public‑health reporting.
Family and Colleague Tributes
In a Facebook post, the KCA asked the public to keep the families, friends, colleagues, and both coroner offices in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “We are grateful for Mark and Scott’s service to their communities and to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They will be greatly missed,” the post read.
The Campbell County Coroner’s Office responded, emphasizing the resolve of their staff: “These tragedies will strengthen our resolve and will always make us better people for having known these individuals. In a job where we are supporting others whose worlds are collapsing around them, we are being tested today to support our own worlds. We will persevere and continue to take on the responsibilities of those who have departed.”
Funeral Arrangements
Arrangements for Coroner Schweitzer are pending at Dobbling, Muehlenkamp‑Erschell Funeral Home in Bellevue. Details for Deputy Coroner Awbery’s services have not yet been released.
What This Means for Local Services
The sudden loss of two key officials underscores the importance of succession planning within county offices. Both counties have indicated that interim appointments will be made promptly to ensure continuity of death investigations, evidence preservation, and support for grieving families.
County officials have urged residents to remain patient as the transition unfolds, reassuring the public that essential services will not be disrupted.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed condolences on social media, highlighting the personal connections many had with the coroner offices. “Mark was always there when we needed answers,” one longtime Campbell County resident wrote. “His dedication helped our community heal after tragedy.”
As the counties move forward, the KCA has pledged to honor the legacies of Schweitzer and Awbery by continuing their commitment to transparent, compassionate service.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
