Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is my loved one being taken?
Your loved one will be transported to Marion General Hospital or the Northeast Forensic Center in Fort Wayne. These laboratory facilities are where we will perform medical examinations on the deceased, if necessary.
- Can I come see him/ her?
Due to legal and health issues, visitation of the loved one can only be done at the funeral home, after the body is properly prepared.
- Is an autopsy always performed?
Not always; if the death is a "Natural Death" and the cause of death can be determined by past medical history or from an external exam, the Coroner will normally not perform an autopsy.
- Why are autopsies performed?
There are a number of reasons why autopsies are performed. To keep it simple, they are performed to determine the medical cause of death. Once determined, it is necessary to gather evidence for presentation in a court of law.
- 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:
- Sudden death of a healthy child.
- Death occurs within 24 hours of admission to a hospital or a health care facility.
- The physician is unable to state the cause of death after a careful review of the medical chart, or the decedent does not have a known physician.
- Known or suspected homicide.
- Known or suspected suicide.
- Related to or following known suspected self-induced or criminal abortion.
- Following an accident or injury, whether primary or contributory and either old or recent.
- Drowning, fire, exposure, acute alcoholism, drug addiction, strangulation, aspiration, or malnutrition.
- Accidental poisoning of any kind (food, chemical, drug, or therapeutic agents).
- Occupational disease or occupational hazards.
- Known or suspected contagious disease constituting a public hazard, excluding A.I.D.S.
- All deaths where the patient is under anesthetic.
- Incarceration.
- All deaths of unidentified persons.
- Is there a charge for these services?
No, not if performed by the County Coroner's office.
- What about funeral arrangements?
Please 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.
- Can I contact the Coroner's office if I have any questions or concerns?
Certainly, you may call (765) 662-2770 between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday or leave a message on the answering machine and we will get back with you as soon as we can.