How does someone become deemed "unclaimed" or "abandoned?"

Technically, legally, the term is "indigent." We classify indigent persons under two categories:

How Do You Attempt To Locate Family?

We have a protocol and process in place for identification and notification of next of kin. Often, the steps we take are what you think: we talk to friends and neighbors.

 We talk to banks, attorneys, and doctors' offices. We reach out to hospitals. We ask for help from our partner first responders. Often, though, we meet with dead ends. 

We publish announcements in the newspaper, hoping concerned citizens will call and tell us what they know about this person.

There is no one central database where we can just "google" the name of a person to find a family member. We contact funeral homes, we study obituaries, and we use tools like consumer reporting agencies and criminal justice databases. When we get a lead, we work it. 

What Happens When You Don't Locate Family? 

You may read the announcement of our policy on the "News and Updates" page of our site, but in general, we begin looking for family before we even leave the person's house. When there are no leads, we publish a notice in the Observer-Reporter and use the above-resources. If nothing pans out, on the 15th day after the date of death, the Coroner reviews the circumstances and will generally order cremation. 

The person is then cremated and interred at Washington Cemetery. 

What Happens After Cremation?

The person is cremated and their remains are treated just as they are when a funeral home does a cremation for someone. Every person is placed in an individual container, which is then placed inside a small box. The name of the person and their Cremation Permit Number is attached to the box. A copy of the permit is kept in the office at the cemetery, so the decedent can be interred as the family wishes should family ever come forward. 

The box is then placed in a water-resistant container. The vault is opened periodically and the cremains placed inside.

Everyone Is Placed Together? How Do You Know Who is Who?

We put respect above everything else. Although these individuals share a place with a number of other souls so unclaimed, the cremains themselves are never commingled or mixed together.

Everyone will remain in their personal container, inside their personal box, with their name and permit number attached. Every set of cremains is appropriately identified. 

What Do I Do If A Relative Of Mine Is On This List, and I Want To Claim Them?

We're deeply sorry for your loss and the circumstances. Please call us at 724-228-6785. We will be happy to help you in every legal way. 

First, by law, we must return cremains back to a blood relative--not a friend or partner. Ideally, the person will be the next in the line of intestate succession--or put more simply, the closest living next of kin. We may ask you to provide and affidavit attesting to this in some cases.

Second, we must ask that you reimburse the county for the cost of cremation. 

Third, you may have to bear the cost of opening the vault at Washington Cemetery to have your loved one's container removed. 

We understand that not everyone likes to hear that there are fees involved. Keep in mind, however, that the county taxpayers kindly put up their money to take care of your relative. We simply ask you to pay that loan back. We do not mark up any fees or charge interest.

We are happy to work with you on arrangements if necessary.

Why Isn't There Public Assistance For This Sort Of Thing?