Mercer coroner resigns; Reichert appointed to post

CELINA - Mercer County Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Dr. James Reichert as acting coroner following the resignation of long-serving Mercer County Coroner Dr. Timothy Heinrichs.

Heinrichs announced his retirement, effective immediately, in an Oct. 10 letter to commissioners.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Mercer County in this capacity since 1989," Heinrichs wrote. "During my years in office, I have been committed to upholding the integrity and responsibility of this role, and I am grateful for the trust the community has placed in me."

Heinrichs thanked commissioners for the opportunity to serve and the support he has received throughout his tenure.

"I wish continued success to the county and to those who will carry on this important work," he concluded.

No reason was given for the resignation.

Heinrichs, a Republican, was first appointed to fill a vacancy in 1989 and was elected to his first full term in 1992, according to board of elections records. In 2014 he retired to get state benefits before he filled his own temporary vacancy and later was reelected to the office, which he had held through Oct. 10.

Commissioner Rick Muhlenkamp made a recommendation Tuesday morning to appoint Reichert as acting coroner to perform the duties of the office until an appointment is made by the Mercer County Republican Party Central Committee.

By state law, the central committee has between five and 45 days after an office vacancy to appoint a coroner.

Reichert is the medical director of the Weight Management Center and chief of surgery for Grand Lake Health System, according to the GLHS website.

Specializing in minimally invasive robotic surgery, hernia repair, bowel surgery, anti-reflux surgery, bariatric surgery, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, Reichert collaborates with both Grand Lake Health System and Mercer Health.

"Dr. James Reichert has filled in when Mr. Heinrichs has been off in the past and then on days when Mr. Heinrich was not available to serve in the past," Muhlenkamp said. "He has expressed interest in the position as well, and I think he would be a great candidate to fill this position."

Commissioner Dave Buschur concurred, pointing out that Reichert has served as deputy coroner for about 16 years. Commissioners then unanimously voted to appoint Reichert acting coroner, effective Oct. 10.

Heinrichs was last elected to a four-year term in 2024. Since Heinrich's vacancy comes more than 40 days before the next general election for state and county officers, his unexpired term will be up for grabs during next year's election cycle.

The filing deadline for declaration of candidacy for partisan candidates is Feb. 4, 2026.

The Mercer County Coroner's Office investigates and certifies the cause and manner of death of people who die within the county under circumstances that are sudden, unexpected, unnatural, suspicious or violent, according to Ohio Revised Code.

To be eligible to hold the office of coroner, a person must be a physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, and who is in good standing in their profession.

The newly elected coroner, after the general election but prior to taking office, must successfully complete 16 hours of continuing education at programs sponsored by the Ohio Coroners Association.