Elect Alex Lathum for Skagit County Coroner
Interim Coroner for Skagit County. Committed to compassion for families, public health, scientific and investigative rigor, and community safety. Alex Lathum brings the expertise and integrity Skagit County needs for a modern, compassionate medicolegal office.
Meet Alex
I moved to Skagit County 10 years ago when my partner was offered a job with the City of Sedro-Woolley. We were thrilled to make this our home and to raise our daughter in such a beautiful place. We love getting out on the trails and hiking in the Cascades, and over the years we’ve built a circle of wonderful friends and neighbors across Skagit County.
My commitment to our community is rooted in a career dedicated to public health. I served as the lead microbiologist at the Washington Public Health Laboratory within the COVID and STI sections, and worked at the Institute for Environmental Health focusing on food safety and GMO screening. This background, coupled with my BS degrees in Physics and Astronomy from University of Washington and an MS in Mathematics from Emporia State University, provides the scientific rigor necessary for the Coroner's office. Public health is my priority, and my technical expertise ensures I am uniquely prepared to identify community risks and serve Skagit County with expertise, experience, and integrity.
Since beginning my role as interim coroner on September 19th, 2026, I have fully immersed myself in the responsibilities of the office. This appointment followed months of internship where I assisted with examinations, responded to scenes, and collaborated with our amazing team of investigators and the former coroner. This hands-on preparation ensures I am ready to lead from day one. In every investigation, I prioritize treating the deceased with dignity and providing their families with the compassionate, clear answers they deserve through difficult times.
The Campaign for Skagit County Coroner
What I Will Do as Coroner
Compassion for Families
Provide support and respect to relatives of the deceased, personally explaining investigation processes and timelines while helping families find the answers they need.
Respond to Scenes
To support investigations and the team of investigators, I won’t treat this like an office job. I’ll respond to scenes, day or night, when needed.
High Standards
Years spent working in highly regulated laboratories and for the state government have taught me how to manage a team, maintain accreditation, and keep investigations thorough, efficient, and of the highest quality.
Collaboration
The coroner has a specific role in an investigation, but can’t find all the answers alone. I’ll make sure this office works collaboratively with our investigative partners so families get the clearest picture possible.
Public Health & Safety
Analyze death statistics to identify trends like substance abuse or community health risks, using data to inform safety decisions and protect Skagit County lives.
Transparency & Accountability
Commit to open data, absolute integrity, and straightforward communication, ensuring public trust in the independence of every medicolegal investigation.
Modern, Data-Driven Office
Elevate medicolegal death investigations through scientific excellence, modern technology, and background in physical sciences to ensure professional, forensic standards.