Why wasn't I notified sooner?

The Coroner’s Office makes every effort to contact next-of-kin as quickly as possible. Speedy notification is not always possible due to a variety of factors, such as if the victim had no identification. 


To prevent a false notification, the Coroner’s Office wants to be absolutely sure of the identify of the victim before notification.


 Please remember that although the victim may have been separated from his/her spouse, without a legally recognized separation or divorce decree, the spouse is still the legal next-of-kin and is usually the one who will be notified. Sometimes this may present a difficulty to other family members who believe they should be the ones notified. 


Locating next-of-kin, especially if out of state or country, make take some time. The Coroner and/or a deputy along with a uniformed police officer usually makes death notification for the Washington County Coroner’s Office.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I obtain a death certificate?
2. Why is the Coroner involved?
3. What is an autopsy and is there a charge for it?
4. When is an autopsy performed?
5. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy?
6. How do I donate my body, or a loved one's body?
7. How long does it take for a death ruling to be made?
8. When will the autopsy report be completed?
9. Where may the clothing of the deceased be located?
10. How is the funeral director selected?
11. How do I make arrangements for the body to be released from the Coroner's office?
12. Why does the Coroner charge a fee for a cremation release?
13. Will I be charged for the services of the Coroner?
14. Who will clean up the death scene?
15. Why does the Coroner refuse to release information about an investigation?
16. Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner’s Office to identify the body?
17. Why wasn't I notified sooner?
18. Can the time of an unattended death be determined with certainty?
19. What are the office hours of the Washington County Coroner's Office?
20. How do outside entities obtain an Autopsy,Toxicology and/or Coroner's report?
21. How do I obtain a copy of an Autopsy, Coroner's Report and Toxicology Report?
22. Who can interpret the results of the autopsy report for me?