David W. Ott, Coroner

David Ott was sworn into the office of the Coroner in 2021 after serving as the Chief Deputy Coroner since 2009.  His many years of experience with the Coroner's Office is one of the many experiences that has made uniquely qualified to be your County Coroner.

David's Father, a United States Marine, received orders in late 1957 to Beaufort.  Since then, David has been a proud Beaufortonian.  He graduated from Battery Creek High School in 1977.  In 1982, he married his wife, Kitty, and together, they moved to Georgia so that David could pursue a new career opportunity in law enforcement.  David graduated from the Georgia Police Academy on May 24, 1985, though he never actually made it to the graduation ceremony itself, as he and Kitty welcomed their first daughter, Melanie, on the same day.  They later welcomed their second daughter, Stephanie, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in 1989.

In 1986, David was offered an opportunity to return to Beaufort as a Sheriff's Deputy with Beaufort County Sheriff's Department, where he became a detective after only nine months.  He proudly served the citizens of Beaufort County and the Sheriff's Department until 1995, when he accepted a position with the Beaufort City Police Department.  During his tenure with both the Sheriff's Department and the Beaufort Police Department, he was instrumental in solving multiple high-profile crimes throughout Beaufort County.  David served as an Investigator with the Beaufort Police Department until his retirement in 2009.

After his retirement from law enforcement, David immediately started a new chapter as a Deputy Coroner under Coroner J. Edward Allen.  His years as a civil servant have enhanced David's keen eye for detail, empathetic character, and investigative skills.

Throughout his entire career, David has participated in numerous training opportunities, ranging from enhanced investigation and interrogation techniques to advanced crime scene analysis.  His experience with cold case investigations, bloodstain pattern analysis, and vulnerable children and adults has uniquely qualified David to be the Beaufort County Coroner.

When David is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his two grandchildren.  Together they love exploring all that Beaufort County has to offer; including camping, boating, hunting, and fishing.