Elections

Youmans elected Beaufort County Coroner, accepting baton as Ott’s retirement nears

Running unopposed, Debbie Youmans was elected Beaufort County Coroner in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. She served as the office’s chief deputy coroner and has three decades of previous experience as a paramedic.
Running unopposed, Debbie Youmans was elected Beaufort County Coroner in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. She served as the office’s chief deputy coroner and has three decades of previous experience as a paramedic. Submitted

With the blessing of her predecessor, Debbie Youmans was elected the next coroner of Beaufort County. Running unopposed, the former EMS official and experienced coroner’s office staffer received 71,907 votes or 99.3%, according to unofficial election results from scvotes.org.

Boasting 30 years as a paramedic for Beaufort County EMS, Youmans joined the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office in 2016, later becoming chief deputy coroner. She plans to carry on the award-winning efforts of outgoing Coroner David Ott, who announced his retirement in July.

The coroner’s office is responsible for investigating all suspicious, violent, sudden and unexpected deaths in Beaufort County. Staff members are responsible for notifying the next of kin after a death, conducting autopsies to make official medical rulings and working closely with law enforcement on homicides and other cases.

This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 11:48 PM.

Evan McKenna
The Island Packet
Evan is a breaking news reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. A Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he reports on crime and safety across Beaufort and Jasper counties. For tips or story ideas, email emckenna@islandpacket.com or call 843-321-8375.
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