The powers and duties vested by law in the office of coroner are transferred to and vested in the county medical examiners and their deputies as provided herein. The office of coroner, as provided for in sections 86 and 87 of chapter 14 of the revised statutes of 1846, as amended, being sections 52.86 and 52.87 of the Compiled Laws of 1948, shall be abolished, and whenever reference thereto is made in any law of this state, reference shall be deemed to be intended to be made to the medical examiners created by this act, insofar as consistent with the provisions of this act. Any hearing or other proceeding pending before any coroner shall not be abated but shall be deemed to be transferred to the medical examiner of the proper county and shall be conducted and determined by such examiner in accordance with the provisions of law.