NATCHEZ — The Adams County coroner is still awaiting test results to help determine a local doctor’s cause of death.

Dr. Barbara Lynn Palmer, a local emergency room doctor and private practitioner, died July 13, reportedly of bacterial septicemia.

Palmer’s cause of death was changed to “undetermined” pending test results.

“The case was referred to my office for investigation,” Coroner James Lee said. “I ordered a battery of test results. I do not have final test results from any of those tests.”

The tests were submitted through the Mississippi State Crime Lab, Lee said.

“There was an initial autopsy done by the family’s request,” Lee said. “The case was referred to the coroner’s office. The law allows me to do forensic autopsy to my choosing, to make sure we don’t miss anything.”

Lee said he would be happy to provide details when the test results came back.

“I don’t want to report rumors,” Lee said. “When anything comes up, I will report that. My heart goes out to the family, and I will do the best I can to find out what happened to her.”

Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown said that no case had been opened at his office to look into Palmer’s death, nor would there be unless the test results came back questionable.

Palmer, 51, died at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Born in Shreveport, La., she was a longtime resident of Natchez and a family practice physician. Among other things, she was a former chief of staff at Natchez Community Hospital. She also made several trips to Peru, where she used her medical skills to help children.