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

Show All Answers

1. How long does the office take to close its cases?
2. Is an autopsy always performed?
3. Can I come see him / her?
4. Can I get a copy of the autopsy report?
5. Is there any cost to the family?
6. What about funeral arrangements?
7. What information is released by the coroner?
8. When is a death a coroner's case?
9. Who performs the autopsy?
10. Why are autopsies performed?
11. Why is the Coroner involved in the death of my loved one?
12. Where do I obtain a Death Certificate?