What if the medical cause of death is not found during the autopsy?

It is not uncommon for this to happen. If the cause of death is listed as "pending", it is because we have to do further testing on tissue and body fluid samples that are retained during the autopsy. This does not delay the release of the body for burial or cremation, however, you can expect that the cause of death will be pending for approximately 12 weeks.

If you are in need of death certificates for legal matters other than life insurance you can order copies with the cause of death pending. Please speak to your mortuary or cremation service staff about ordering them.

Show All Answers

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?