JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Coroner race this election cycle has quite the lineup, with Russell Nelson, longtime deputy coroner, also on the ballot.
A forensic anthropologist by education, Russell Nelson holds a doctorate in anthropology and forensic science and has served in the coroner’s office as a deputy coroner for roughly 10 years.
“I think I’m uniquely positioned [for the role] in that I do represent deep roots in Teton County, and I’ve got the educational and practical skills to apply to this job,” Nelson told Buckrail. Nelson went on to say that his great grandfather was Wyoming’s first state game warden, his grandfather a county commissioner and father a civil engineer who was part of designing much of Jackson’s infrastructure. Nelson emphasized wanting to carry the torch for being a valuable part of the community.
When asked about what he would do if elected, Nelson mentioned the limited space the county has currently. He lauded current County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue for improving conditions, but added things still are “certainly not ideal.”
“[The improvement] doesn’t have to be extensive and elaborate, but something a little bit more than what we’ve got now that was built intentionally for [handling bodies after death] would be nice,” Nelson said.
His first bid for the position was in 2014, when Brent Blue was ultimately elected.
Other candidates in this election cycle are Krista Nethercott, Katrina Clauson and David Hodges.
Nelson finds it fulfilling to help people through the death of a loved one.
On what inspires him to do the work and do it well, Nelson had one thing to say: “It’s my job.”
