Chart 3 illustrates the number of death investigations completed by the OCC compared with the total number of Ontario deaths in 2018, distributed by age group. Proportionately, infants compose the largest subgroup of deaths, followed by adolescents.

Chart 3: Distribution of paediatric deaths Across age groups (2018) 

 

Chart 3: Proportionately, infants compose the largest subgroup of deaths, followed by adolescents.

 

Chart 4 illustrates that in 2018, the OCC investigated approximately 23% of infant deaths (less than 1 year), 60% of deaths of 1-4 year olds, 50% of the 5-9 year olds, 69% of 10-14 year olds and 88% of adolescent deaths (15-19 year olds).

Chart 4: Proportion of Ontario deaths investigated by the OCC across age groups (2018)

 

Chart 4: illustrates that in 2018, the OCC investigated approximately 23% of infant deaths , 60% of deaths of 1-4 year olds, 50% of 5-9 year olds, 69% of 10-14 year olds and 88% of adolescent deaths (15-19 year olds).

 

Chart 5 illustrates the manners of paediatric deaths investigated by a coroner in 2018 by age group.  The chart demonstrates that there is a change in the distribution of the manner of death provided by Ontario coroners that follows age progression from infancy to adolescence. Natural and undetermined deaths dominate investigations of children under one, gradually changing to non-natural manners (accident, homicide and suicide) which are more prevalent among adolescents.

Chart 5: Manner of death in OCC investigations – Distribution across age groups (2018)

Chart 5: Natural and undetermined deaths dominate investigations of children under one, gradually changing to non-natural manners (accident, homicide and suicide) which are more prevalent among adolescents.