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1. Why is the coroner's office involved with this death?

The coroner's office is an office that is run by an elected official. By state statute the coroner's office has jurisdiction over certain deaths in order to determine the cause and manner of death. The following would be examples of cases that the coroner's office would look into:

* Sudden, unexpected deaths
* Deaths of persons who have not been seen by a physician within the last sixty (60) days
* Any death determined to be a health hazard
* Any violent deaths (homicide, suicide)
* Any deaths that are the result of an accident
* Any unusual or unexplained deaths
* Any deaths suspicious of violence
* Any hospital death where the original admission involved any of the above.

2. When will my loved one be released from the coroner's office?

The body will be released to the funeral home of the family's choice following the coroner's exam to determine the cause and manner of death. If there is sufficient medical history along with sufficient explanation surrounding the death and if there is no evidence of foul play, the body will be released to the funeral home that your family has chosen. If, however, there is any evidence of foul play or if the circumstances of the death that thought to be unusual, an autopsy is usually performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

Viewing and visitation are then permitted by the funeral home. If the family wants an autopsy they may contact a private pathologist for a private autopsy. There is a fee for private autopsies. There is no charge to a family if a coroner's forensic autopsy is performed. Autopsies will not prevent a family from having an open-casket funeral or interfere with viewing of the deceased in a normal manner. Once the body leaves the jurisdiction of the coroner's office, your communication should take place with the funeral home..

NOTE: The decision to perform an autopsy rests with the coroner's office. Family objections may be noted, but an autopsy may be required due to suspicion of violence in the death.

3. Are autopsies always performed in coroner's cases?

No. Autopsies are not always needed if the manner and cause of death can be determined by the coroner with evidence through investigations. A coroner investigator and law enforcement gather the information concerning the circumstances of a death, including medical and social history.

4. How do I obtain a copy of the death certificate?

Death certificates are never issued by the coroner's office. You may request a copy from the funeral home where arrangements are made.

5. Will my loved one still be able to participate in the Anatomical Gift Act and be a donor?

Yes. What a more appropriate venue than the Coroner's office to promote organ, tissue and cornea donations as gifts of life.  Our office is committed to carrying out a person's wishes to be a lifesaving donor. Through our partnership with Donor Alliance and Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, we make donation an option for the families that we serve.

6. What do I do now?

A lot of information will be shared with you and your family. You will need to make several decisions. The following is a suggested list to help guide you and your loved ones:

1. Determine who the legal next of kin is to make decisions on the decedent's behalf.
2. You will need to select a funeral home to assist you in making funeral arrangements and to coordinate the final disposition of your love one's remains
3. Once you have chosen a funeral home, the funeral director will make arrangements to pick up and transport your loved one's remains back to the funeral home following our examination.
4. Finally, remember to check in on yourself. Stress can come into one's life quickly and unexpectedly. Do not be afraid to use resources available to you in your community.