Coroner FAQ
We hope that the information contained in this page will assist you by providing answers to commonly asked questions.
- Where will my relative/friend be taken?
He/She may be taken to the hospital if an autopsy is required or he/she may be taken directly to the mortuary of the family's choice upon approval of the Coroner's investigator if an autopsy is not required.
- Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner's
office to identify the body?
No. In a majority of the cases, visual identification is not required. Should it become necessary for you to come in or assist in obtaining medical and/or dental records you will be contacted.
- Is viewing allowed?
No. The hospital morgue is not designed to provide viewing. Arrangements can be made at the funeral home for viewing.
- Why is the Coroner involved?
State law requires the Coroner to inquire into and determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden, violent, or unusual deaths and those deaths where the decedent has not been seen by their physician within 30 days or those who die within 24 hours of admission to a health care facility. A death certificate is issued after the inquiry is completed. Part of this inquiry may include an autopsy. Occasionally, more extensive testing is required, in which case a pending death certificate may be issued. A final death certificate will be issued following completion of all tests.
- Will an autopsy be performed?
The Coroner performs an autopsy when there is a need to establish the cause and circumstances of a determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden, violent, or unusual deaths and those deaths where the decedent has not been seen by their physician within 30 days or those who die within 24 hours of admission to a health care facility. A death certificate is issued after the inquiry is completed. Part of this inquiry may include an autopsy. Occasionally, more extensive testing is required, in which case a pending death certificate may be issued. A final death certificate will be issued following completion of all tests.
- What about Tissue/Organ Donation?
The approval of the Coroner's office is required for tissue/organ donation for deaths that are under the auspices of the Coroner's jurisdiction. With next of kin consent, the family's wishes for donation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; a representative of the tissue/organ donation organization may contact you. Pueblo County Coroner's office will assist in the coordination of tissue/organ donation as each case warrants.
- How long will it take before my relative/friend is released
from the Coroner's office?
Generally it should not take more than two days. Your Funeral Director will coordinate the release on your behalf.
- What should I do now?
As soon as possible, select a funeral home of your choice and inform the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Coroner's office. Ask them to contact us. Our office does not select funeral homes nor do we make arrangements. The Coroner must be provided with written authorization to release the deceased to a funeral home. All of the funeral homes in Pueblo County have the appropriate release forms.
- Will autopsy reports be available?
Yes. You may obtain a copy by calling the Coroner's office at 543-4016, Monday through Friday during business hours. At that time you will be informed of the approximate date the document will be available for release.
- Will I be charged for Corner services?
Pueblo County Coroner's Office does not charge the family for the autopsy, laboratory tests or services that are required by the Coroner's office.
- My relative/friend was in the military. Who may I
contact for information?
Persons who have served in the Armed Forces, were honorably discharged, and meet other service requirements are entitled to Veteran's benefits. Your Funeral Director may assist you with Military Veteran's or Social Security Benefits.
- How and when may personal possessions be claimed?
Any personal possessions in the custody of the Coroner are released to the legal next of kin at the time of death notification. A release form is required to receive any personal possessions. Clothing is not usually considered property. Unless there is a need to hold clothing as evidence, it is released to the mortuary with the body. Clothing that presents a health hazard may be disposed of for safety of all persons involved.
- I need to enter my relative's/friend's residence, but it is
sealed. What can I do?
In order to enter, you need to obtain permission from the agency listed on the seal, i.e. Police, or Sheriff. You may also contact the Coroner's office. Occasionally the residence is secured by the Public Administrator, in which case, clearance will have to be given by that office.
- There are family members in the service. How are they notified?
You may call the American Red Cross. The Red Cross will assist you in notification of the decease's next of kin and arrangements for the family member's return home.
We trust that the advice and counseling provided by your Funeral Director and the information provided in this pape will be of help. However, should you need additional assistance, please telephone our office at 719-584-9900.