Number of deaths reported to coroner 2025 fell to its lowest level since the annual time series began in 1995, whilst the number of registered deaths remained stable relative to 2024. The fall in deaths reported to coroners coincides with the introduction of the statutory Medical Examiner system in September 2024. Almost a quarter of these deaths reported to coroners resulted in inquests, the highest proportion since the annual time series began in 1995, although total inquests opened fell slightly over the same period.

These statistics of deaths are in the annual publication reported to Coroners in England and Wales in 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/coroners-statistics-2025/coroners-statistics-2025-england-and-wales

Post-mortem examinations were conducted in half of all deaths reported to coroners, an increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of inquest conclusions fell slightly, with the most common conclusions being death by misadventure, suicide, and drugs/alcohol related. This fall was driven by a decrease in conclusions for females, whilst the number of inquest conclusions for males remained stable over the same period.

Suicide conclusions increased in 2025 compared to the previous year to their highest level since the start of the series in 1995. This increase was driven by male suicides, with female suicides falling. It is important to note that these conclusions are recorded after an inquest and so may relate to deaths from the same or earlier years.

The average time taken to complete an inquest in 2025 remained stable at 31.3 weeks, when compared to 2024.

Dr Martin Harris Private GP in London

and expert for medical legal reports and qualified Medical Examiner RCPathME