That sounds odd.  What does the coroner do in PA? 

In Ohio, the coroner has to be a licensed physician.  While you are correct, that any doctor can pronounce death, so can a coroner in Ohio (because they are doctors).  I don't know how it usually works, but I imagine that at the scene of a crime, or accident, the officers would call the coroner out to do that. 

In Ohio, the coroner is also responsible for "giving a reasonable and true cause of death."  Something I would expect one to be a doctor to be able to do.

I suppose each state does things differently.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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