David Ott wins the Republican primary for Beaufort County coroner

This story was updated with official results June 11.

David Ott won the Republican primary for Beaufort County Coroner Tuesday with 12,973 of 20,519 votes.

Ott, currently the chief deputy coroner, will run unopposed in the Nov. 3 general election, making him the new county coroner starting Jan. 1.

“I am very excited and thankful for the support of Beaufort County citizens for taking the time to vote today, not only for me, but all the candidates,” Ott said Tuesday night. “I’m excited to step into the shoes of Coroner Ed Allen and continue what he started and improve on that.”

David Zeoli, Ott’s opponent in the primary, received 5,698 votes with 95 of 95 precincts reporting.

A third candidate, Robert Blok, withdrew from the race May 20. Blok is a former U.S. army physician.

Election results came in shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Allen announced his retirement from the position in recent months and had held the job, which has a four-year term, since 2008.

Ott previously said his training and time as deputy coroner has taught him how to investigate deaths and communicate with families.

Allen’s salary is $92,000 a year, according to Liz Farrell, Beaufort County spokesperson.

County code says coroner’s pay starts at $70,367.

The coroner is responsible for investigating all suspicious, violent, sudden and unexpected deaths in Beaufort County, according to its website.

Manner of death is determined by the coroner. Manner of death is classified in five categories: natural, accident, homicide, suicide and undetermined.

The determination plays a role in court cases and insurance decisions.

This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 11:34 PM.