Is an autopsy always performed?

Not always. If the deceased has been under the care of a physician who can provide this office with the medical cause of death, the Sheriff-Coroner may waive the autopsy. In certain cases of natural death where the deceased had no physician, or in the case of a traumatic death where the cause of death is obvious, we may elect to do only an external examination of the body.

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1. Can we come and see him/her?
2. Where is our loved one being taken?
3. Is an autopsy always performed?
4. Why are autopsies performed?
5. Does an autopsy prevent viewing of the body at the funeral home?
6. How long is the body kept at the Coroner's office?
7. What do we do now?
8. What about personal property items?
9. When can we have the funeral?
10. How do we obtain death certificates?
11. Can we contact the Coroner's Bureau?
12. What if the medical cause of death is not found during the autopsy?
13. Are there fees for the Coroner's services?
14. How do we obtain the Coroner's reports (Coroner's Packet)?
15. How do the next of kin of a homeless person get notified if a homeless person dies?
16. What happens when a body can not be identified?
17. How does the Coroner's Office I.D. an unidentified person?