Deaths across Knox and Anderson counties have increased more than 11 percent in 2020 from 2019, while homicides rose nearly 72 percent, according to the 2020 Annual Report.

The annual report was released by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center which provides autopsy and consultative services for 23 counties in Middle and East Tennessee.

According to the report, accidental and natural deaths each increased 20 percent in 2020. Officials said suicides increased by 14 percent and gun-related deaths increased 62 percent.

In 2020, Knox County saw 40 gun-related homicides. That number is the most of any other area in the center’s jurisdiction. There were 50 homicides in total reported in Knox County in 2020.

Motor vehicle accidents accounted for nearly 100 deaths in Knox County and 183 in total across the region.

To see the full report, please go to https://knoxcounty.org/rfc/pdfs/KCRFC_Annual_Report_2020.pdf.