Overton Gets New Medical Death Investigator

Lee Swallows Jr. appointed as the newest medical death investigator for Overton County.

Swallows said his job as an investigator is to determine whether or not those who pass away need an autopsy. Swallows said he hopes to help people in the community who are dealing with some of their worst times in his new role.

“It’s important because we not only are there for the person that’s deceased, but we kind of can comfort, try to comfort the family in their time of need and explain to them what happens and how things work,” Swallows said.

Swallows said he will be on-call and work under the county medical examiner with a few other investigators. Swallows said the position is something he has always been interested in thanks to his many years in emergency services and law enforcement.

“I’ve always been in a position where I’ve been too busy to be able to do it,” Swallows said. “And now as I’m getting a little age, starting to slow down a little bit and I have time to do it.”

Swallows also works as a critical care paramedic with Overton County’s EMS department. Swallows said his investigator work is a separate, unpaid position, although an EMT license is required to be able to do it.

“I was asked if I would consider it and so I told them that I would do it,” Swallows said. “It was approved by the county medical examiner and then had to be taken before the county commission and approved by them.”