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1. How long does the office take to close its cases?

Most cases that are investigated by the Coroner's office are reviewed and closed within 7 to 21 days. If a case is pending toxicology or microscopic examination, a cause and manner of death could take up to 10 weeks for final results.

2. Is an autopsy always performed?

Not always. If the death is a "Natural Death" and cause of death can be determined by past medical history or from an external exam the Coroner will normally not perform an autopsy.

An autopsy is performed on all: 

• fire deaths, 
• all criminal deaths, and 
• the death of an infant and child

3. Can I come see him / her?

Due to legal and health issues, visitation of the loved one is done only at the funeral home after the body is properly prepared. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

4. Can I get a copy of the autopsy report?

An autopsy report is an investigative record. It can only be released to the next-of-kin or an insurance company who has a claim arising from the death per IC 36-2-14-18. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

5. Is there any cost to the family?

No, when the Coroner orders the autopsy there is no cost to the family. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

6. What about funeral arrangements?

Contact the funeral director of your choice as soon as possible and advise him / her what has transpired. Your funeral director will then coordinate further arrangements with the Coroner's office and help you begin the preparations for your loved one's funeral.

7. What information is released by the coroner?

Public information that must be released upon request, Section 36-2-14-18 of the Indiana Code says that the coroner is required to make available for public inspection and copying the following information:

• Name
• Age
• Race 
• Address of the deceased 
• Address where body was found 
• Name of agency to which death was reported 
• Name of person reporting death 
• Name of public official or government employee present at the death scene 
• Name of person certifying death 

Information regarding an autopsy, if performed, limited to the date, 

• Person who performed the autopsy
• Where it was performed
• A conclusion as to:
  • (a) the probable cause, 
  • (b) the probable manner, and
  • (c) the probable mechanism
• Location to which body was removed

8. When is a death a coroner's case?

Everyone would say homicide, and yes, that is correct. Suicides and all accidents are also to be investigated by the coroner. But by far the largest segment of the deaths to be investigated by the coroner is in the natural manner.

Most county health departments report a 1% rate in each county per year. Of this total, the coroner investigates about 12% of the cases. So if you have 200,000 people in your county and 1% dies this year, then you will have 2,000 deaths. The coroners will then investigate about 240 cases with 60-70% of these natural deaths.

Natural deaths include people who have no attending physician to sign the death certificate. It is also composed of those individuals who die suddenly and unexpectedly, even though they have been seen recently by a physician. They include individuals who have affected their health by the use of drugs or alcohol.

All deaths of inmates while incarcerated or when the eventual cause of death is found to have originated while the victim was incarcerated is another type of death that is investigated by the coroner. Deaths of individuals who die of a disease that might constitute a threat to public health are also reviewed.

Deaths of people whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea, transported out of state, or otherwise are unavailable for pathological study must be reviewed by the coroner. Deaths of transplant surgery donors that are the result of some type of trauma are also reviewed.

For further information:  574-235-5038

9. Who performs the autopsy?

In the state of Indiana the autopsy must be performed by a Board Certified Pathologist. In St. Joseph County most cases use a Forensic pathologist. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

10. Why are autopsies performed?

There are a number of reasons autopsies are performed. However, the basic reason is to determine the cause and manner of death when it is not known, also to gather evidence for presentation in a court of law. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

11. Why is the Coroner involved in the death of my loved one?

The following is a list of deaths in which the Coroner's Office is contacted: 

• Accidental poisoning ( food, chemical, drug, therapeutic agents) 
• All deaths of unidentified persons 
• All deaths where patient is under anesthetic 
• Death occurring within 24 hours of admission at a hospital or health care facility
• Drowning 
• Fire
• Exposure
• Acute alcoholism
• Drug addiction
• Strangulation
• Aspiration or malnutrition 
• Following an accident or injury primary or contributory, either old or recent 
• Incarceration  
• Known or suspected contagious disease constituting a public hazard (excluding AIDS) 
• Known or suspected homicide 
• Occupational disease or occupational hazards 
• Physician unable to state cause of death, after careful review of medical chart, or decedent does not have a physician 
• Related to or following suspected self-inflected or criminal abortion 
• Sudden death of a healthy child

The coroner will determine if the death will be investigated or if the death certificate can be routinely signed by the attending physician. 

For further information:  574-235-5038

12. Where do I obtain a Death Certificate?

The Health Department issues Death Certificates. 

The Health Department is located on the 8th Floor of the County-City Building. 

(574) 235-9750