FAQs
Coroner
California State law empowers the Coroner to investigate the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden, violent or unexpected deaths. We also investigate when a decedent has not been seen by a physician within 20 days prior to death, or when a death occurs within 24 hours of the decedent entering the hospital.
Usually they will be taken to the Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel & Park or Girdner Funeral Chapel.
The investigation may require a physical examination of the decedent's body (autopsy).
An autopsy is an examination of a body after death using surgical techniques. An autopsy may be only an external examination, or it may be comprehensive. Sometimes an autopsy is limited to one organ system and sometimes all organ systems are examined.
The Coroner or their representative will decide if an autopsy is necessary to establish the manner and cause of death. It may be possible to determine the cause of death without an autopsy. Sometimes an autopsy is required by law. Often an autopsy is necessary because the decedent's physician has questions about the decedent's medical problems and how those problems caused death.
It is performed by a medical doctor, a Pathologist, who is specifically trained in this type of procedure.
No. An autopsy should not in any way affect the final arrangements you choose. An autopsy does not change whether the decedent will be viewable for visitation. Your funeral director will guide you.
An autopsy may find inheritable medical problems and help other family members through early diagnosis and treatment. It may help with regard to family planning. An autopsy may also provide evidence necessary for insurance claims or death benefits or criminal investigations. Information learned through an autopsy of one decedent may help save the lives of others with similar conditions.
Generally, it should not take more than (5) five days. Your funeral director will coordinate this on your behalf. We will do our best to accommodate any special need to release the decedent sooner.
Religious decisions are always very personal. You may wish to discuss the issues with relatives and your religious or spiritual advisor. Cultures are very diverse in their practices and beliefs. Please inform the Coroner's Office immediately of any special needs or concerns. Call (530) 841-2900. Telephone monitored 24/7.
With the consent of next of kin, certain types of tissues may be donated, thereby helping others. The Deputy Coroner Investigator who has contacted you can provide additional information about this process. Donation of tissues must be arranged as soon as possible after death.
No. In almost all cases visual identification is not required. Should it become necessary for you to come in or for you to provide records, such as dental x-rays, you will be contacted.
Arrangements can be made at the mortuary for viewing or visitation upon authorization by the Coroner.
A death certificate is issued after the investigation is completed. Occasionally, extensive testing is required. An interim death certificate may be issued which allows interment. A final death certificate will be issued following completion of any investigation.
Death Certificates are filed with the state by the Funeral Director. Should you require certified copies, they can be ordered through the mortuary. Telephone the Recorder's Office at (530) 842-8065.
Yes. You may obtain a copy by calling our office at telephone 530-842-8300 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A fee may apply.
Personal possessions in the custody of the Coroner may be claimed by the legal next of kin. To avoid any inconvenience to you, call the Sheriff-Coroner's Office before coming in (530) 842-8300. You will be informed of any documents needed and of any other requirements. Property is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except holidays.
Contraband, such as illegal drugs or weapons. Contaminated clothing or other articles which may present a health hazard shall be destroyed for the safety of all persons involved. Some items may be retained as evidence of a crime.
If there is a seal on the residence, either verbal or physical, you need permission to break that seal. It is a misdemeanor to break a "CORONER'S SEAL" without permission of the Coroner. A Coroner's seal is placed to protect the decedent's property. It is not intended to deprive the legal heirs of their rights.
Notify other kin and friends of the deceased. If the deceased has a Will, refer to it for potential instructions. Wills are often kept in Safe-Deposit Boxes, at home in a safe place, or at the office of the attorney who prepared the will.
Contact the funeral home. Call and make an appointment to speak with a funeral director.
Power of Attorney is in the first position: a spouse is next. Next in line are the children of the deceased, who are equally related. Third in line are the parents of the deceased, equally. Siblings of the deceased are fourth in the order of kinship, all equally, without regard to the order of their birth. The next of kin are legally and financially responsible for the interment of the deceased. By law, the costs of interment take priority over all of the decedent's pending bills.
The next-of-kin or other relative designated by law is required legally to make arrangements for final disposition of the remains. It is your obligation to make arrangements with the funeral home to determine if a cremation or other disposition of the remains. Health and Safety Code Section (HSCS) 7103 (a) states: Every person, upon whom the duty of interment is imposed by law, who omits to perform that duty within a reasonable time is guilty of a misdemeanor. Paragraph (c) of the same law reads: In addition, any person, registrant, or licensee described in subdivision a…is liable to pay the person performing the duty in his or her stead treble the expenses incurred by the latter in making the interment, to be recovered in a civil action. Pursuant to HSCS 7104.1, you have thirty (30) days to make final arrangements.