Coroner blames vehicle accident for death of former jailer
Staff writer
An accident more than a year ago has finally claimed a victim in the guise of an accidental overdose of painkillers.
That is the official view of coroner Don Hodson when assigning a cause to 38-year-old former jailer Joseph Kenneth Catron’s death last week.
Hodson will file a report to the state listing Catron’s death as a motor vehicle accident death — honoring the truth of a tragic mishap that was a catalyst for the suffering that “led to his demise.”
“Everything boiled down to the motorcycle accident,” he said. “He suffered from chronic pain and how to handle it.”
Last year, Catron was driving a 2017 Honda motorcycle on Indigo Rd. at 1 p.m. April 9 when it left the right side of the roadway, entered the ditch and overturned, sending Catron into the air.
The motorcycle came to rest against a tree. Catron was taken to Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, with severe injuries.
“He had a long-term infection in his leg that wouldn’t heal and ended up leading to an amputation,” Hodson said, adding that Catron dealt with multiple health issues.
Catron was found unresponsive by a family member, Marion County undersheriff David Huntley said.
At 8:41 a.m., Marion ambulance responded to a residence near Goldenrod and 150th Rds. and issued a “code black,” indicating a death.
Peabody ambulance was initially called as well, but that call was canceled after Marion ambulance arrived.
Nothing suspicious was found, and no autopsy was requested, said Huntley, who noted that sheriff’s deputy Derek Fetrow also worked the scene.
Fentanyl, oxycodone, and a muscle relaxant all contributed to the accidental overdose, Hodson said.
“It’s a sad situation,” he said.
Visitation was Tuesday at Jost Funeral Home, Hillsboro.