Where is my loved one taken?
In most cases, the deceased is taken to the morgue used
by the County, located at Ivinson
Memorial Hospital in Laramie. If an autopsy is required,
it is sometimes performed by staff pathologists at Ivinson,
but under certain circumstances the person will be transported
to the appropriate facility with a board-certified forensic
pathologist on staff. When the Coroner's Office has completed
all necessary procedures, the deceased is officially 'released,'
at which time the funeral home with which the family has
made arrangements is authorized to retrieve the body.
In some circumstances, the deceased is not removed from
the location where death occured, and is immediately released
to the family.
Why is the coroner involved?
State law requires the Coroner
to be notified when a death occurs under certain
circumstances. The Coroner performs an investigation
and arrives at the cause and manner of death, and either
completes or arranges the completion of the death certificate.
Occasionally, more investigation is required, in which case
a pending death certificate will be issued to allow funeral
arrangements to be made in a timely manner.
Am I required to identify the body?
Identity of the deceased is usually determined through
methods other than visual identification by family or acquaintances,
and a visual ID is not required. Only in very rare cases
are such identifications required.
Is viewing allowed?
The Coroner's Office strongly discourages viewing prior
to the deceased being released to a funeral home. While
in the custody of the Coroner's Office, it is imperative
that the proper medicolegal procedures be followed without
interruption and to their completion, so that the deceased
can be released to the family.
How will I get my loved one's personal possessions back?
Personal effects that are on the body in a coroner's
case are the jurisdiction of the Coroner's Office, while
other personal effects that may be collected are part of
the evidence collection of the involved law enforcement
agency (e.g. city police department; Sheriff's Office).
All coroner case personal effects are logged and accounted
for, and are released with the body; there are specific
chain-of-custody procedures for the release of valuables.
Occasionally clothing will need to be stored as evidence
or disposed of if it presents a biohazard.
back
to top
How can I get a copy of the death certificate?
A death certificate can be obtained through your funeral
home or from Wyoming
Vital Records or by calling (307) 777-7591.
Will an autopsy be performed?
Autopsies are performed when additional investigation
is needed to establish the cause and manner of death; autopsies
are ALWAYS performed in suspected homicides. Staff pathologists
or specialized forensic pathologists are used for autopsies.
Each case is unique and handled respectfully on an individual
basis. Family consent is not required for an autopsy
to be performed; it is the authority of the coroner—possibly
in consultation with a pathologist—to order an autopsy.
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is a post-mortem medical procedure that consists
of a thorough examination of the body in order to determine
or assist in determining the cause and manner of a person's
death; it can also provide information on the presence of
diseases or injuries that may have been contributing mortality
factors. An autopsy is performed by a pathologist or forensic
pathologist.
How long before my loved one is released from the Coroner's
Office?
Each case is distinct, but under normal circumstances
a case not involving autopsy will result in release within
24 hours. If an autopsy is required, the investigation may
take considerably longer, particularly if identification
of the individual is an issue. You may contact the Coroner's
Office at (307) 761-6663 to inquire about the status of
your case.
Can I see a copy of the autopsy or coroner report?
Yes. You can call the Coroner's Office at (307) 761-6663
to inquire when a report will be ready. A brief written
request to the Coroner's Office (Albany County Coroner's
Office; PO Box 1083; Laramie, WY 82073) is required to receive
a report.
back
to top
What do I need to do now?
As soon as possible, you should select and communicate
with representatives from a funeral home of your choice.
These professionals are aware of the difficulties you are
experiencing and the stresses that you are under, and will
assist you with arrangements. The funeral home will notify
the Coroner's Office that they are handling your arrangements,
and we work closely with them to assure proper transfer
of remains.
What if I can't afford funeral arrangements?
If your loved one did not have burial funds, the next-of-kin
may ask for assistance in government and private sources.
Your funeral home can provide you that information.
What about military benefits?
People who served in the Armed Forces may be entitled
to veterans benefits. Seek more information from the Veterans
Administration (VA) at www.cem.va.gov.
Your funeral home will also have that information.
Other frequently asked questions should be referred to
the proper agencies as follows:
Local
Law Enforcement - custody of weapons involved with deaths
Wyoming
Funeral Directors Association - regulations governing
burials, cremations, and embalming
back
to top |
