Uncovering the Truth: The Tragic Death of Baby Onyxx and the Failures of the Coroner’s Office

ProPublica’s investigation into the death of 2-month-old Onyxx Cooley sheds light on the shortcomings of the coroner system in Idaho, particularly in Bonneville County. On February 1st, 2023, Onyxx was found unresponsive in his home, and despite the tragic circumstances, the elected coroner, Rick Taylor, failed to conduct a thorough investigation.

The initial response to Onyxx’s death was marred by limited investigation efforts. The coroner did not order an autopsy, visit the scene, or interview the parents, which are standard procedures recommended by national guidelines in cases of unexpected infant deaths. Idaho’s lack of regulations for coroners allows for such oversights, leading to the lowest autopsy rate in child deaths attributed to unnatural or unknown causes in the nation.

The story delves into the personal lives of Onyxx’s parents, Alexis and Diamond Cooley, highlighting their efforts to co-parent and the challenges they faced with Onyxx’s health condition. Despite Onyxx’s cleft palate, he was described as an easy baby who brought joy to his family.

The narrative follows the events leading up to Onyxx’s death, detailing the frantic moments when his mother found him unresponsive and the subsequent lack of investigation by the coroner. The article contrasts the approach of Rick Taylor, the Bonneville County coroner, with that of Jimmy Roberts, the Bingham County coroner, who emphasizes the importance of thorough death investigations.

The article also touches on the tensions between coroners in different counties, the lack of oversight in Idaho’s coroner system, and the implications of not conducting proper investigations in cases of sudden infant death. The emotional toll on Onyxx’s parents, the unanswered questions surrounding his death, and the broader public health implications of inadequate death investigations are all explored in detail.

Overall, the article paints a vivid picture of the tragedy surrounding Onyxx Cooley’s death, the systemic issues within Idaho’s coroner system, and the need for more stringent regulations to ensure proper investigations in cases of unexpected deaths. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of thorough and meticulous death investigations to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies.