Wayne County Coroner Kevin Fouche has resigned from his position effective Aug. 9, citing frustration and disappointment with the council’s decisions. Fouche had previously requested that the coroner and chief deputy positions be made full-time, in light of an increase in cases handled by the office. The council denied the request, with the 2024 budget allocating lower salaries for the positions.
Fouche, who served two terms as coroner, highlighted the challenges faced by the office, including dealing with increasing deaths due to changing demographics and the impact of drug addiction. Despite his passion for the job, Fouche felt compelled to resign to secure private-sector employment to support himself financially.
The Republican Caucus of precinct chairs will select Fouche’s successor. Brent Meadows, who won the Republican nomination for coroner in the May primary, is unopposed in the upcoming November election. Council and commissioners had previously worked with Fouche to renovate the coroner’s office, consolidating two locations into one.
Fouche’s accomplishments during his tenure include identifying a cold case victim 41 years after her death, providing closure for the victim’s daughter. For Fouche, bringing integrity back to the coroner’s office and ensuring the facility is respectable were top priorities. Despite his resignation, Fouche remains dedicated to serving the community and hopes that changes will be made to better support the coroner’s office.
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