Coroners have just about lost all credibility in the U.S., haven't they?
I have no insight for you, OP. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate you bringing this story to my attention.
Have there been any other deaths in the area which are similar?
The most recent article I found on the subject was from December of last year. According to this article, the suicide ruling of the coroner was confirmed by the state medical examiner's office. The medical examiner did perform an autopsy. It did not, however, write a report which explains why it reached a ruling of suicide nor even how a suicide would have been possible.