Show All Answers

1. I have been notified of a death. What is my next step?

Once you have been notified of a death you will need to select a funeral home to make arrangements. Many decedents are not from the area so you should be aware that if you are from out of state, you may choose to make arrangements with your local funeral home of choice. They, in turn, will make arrangements with a funeral home in Colorado if the body is to be sent out of state. If you wish to come to Colorado and want to use a Colorado funeral home, keep in mind that the coroner cannot recommend a funeral home or make funeral arrangements.

Visit the Colorado Funeral Directors Association website to find a list of Denver area funeral homes or you can call our office for a list to be faxed or emailed. If you have any other questions, please call our office at (970) 668-2964.

2. Why is the coroner involved?

State law requires that the coroner be notified on all deaths resulting from sudden, violent, unattended, unexpected, or unusual deaths. The coroner inquires into the circumstances surrounding the death and determines the cause and manner of death through investigation by utilizing witness accounts, past medical or psychological history, toxicology testing, or by ordering an autopsy.

3. Will an autopsy be performed?

Each case is evaluated on an individual basis. In 2011 HB 1258 was passed in Colorado, which states that the coroner should follow the National Association of Medical Examiner Autopsy Guidelines. An autopsy may be ordered in cases where the death is the result of other than natural causes.

4. What about organ / tissue donation?

If the decedent made known that he or she desired to be an organ donor, the coroner staff will discuss this with the next of kin and then notify the Donor Alliance, which is the organ / tissue bank in Colorado. An organ donation representative may contact you.

5. Where do I obtain a death certificate?

Due to our mountain location, certified death certificates may not be available right away. One cannot be issued until you have decided on a funeral home. A pending death certificate is issued in death investigations undergoing autopsy or awaiting toxicology results. Results of autopsy and/or toxicology may take 4-6 weeks or longer, to process. Your funeral home will make arrangements for as many copies as you need. The cost for the original death certificate is $20. If you order copies at that time, they are $13 each. If you need to order more at a later date, the price reverts back to the original fee of $20. Oftentimes, with out of state families, it is faster to send a check to our County Clerk’s office. You may call them directly at (970) 453-3470.

Fill out a Death Certificate Application.

Many other questions arise during this confusing time. The Summit County Office of the Coroner strives to provide answers and to address any questions you have during the course of the investigation.

6. What can I do if there is no money for funeral arrangements?

If sufficient funds are not available, your funeral director can give you information on government and non-government assistance sources. If the decedent was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, Veterans benefits may be sought. If the decedent was receiving social services benefits, they may be able to assist.

7. Where does my loved one get taken?

Our office has access to a refrigerated holding area. No morgue or autopsy facility exists in Summit County. We contract with Jefferson County in Golden, Colorado for autopsies.

8. Do I need to make an identification?

Visual identification is not always required because identification may be determined by other means.

9. May I see my loved one?

Depending on circumstances, it may or may not be possible. The office does not have a viewing area and we do not allow viewing in our holding area. Viewing a loved on in the morgue can be traumatic and it is an unsanitary and unpleasant place. The funeral home is the best place to have a visitation and say your goodbyes. Prior to cremation or burial, a viewing can be arranged with the funeral home if circumstances warrant. If an autopsy has been ordered, a viewing can still be possible. However, in autopsy cases, you may have to wait an average of 72 hours to do so. Viewing may or may not be a sound choice depending on post mortem artifacts or trauma. Your funeral home will usually let you know their opinion, if asked.

10. How long will it take before you release my loved one?

Depending on whether a hold has been placed, we will make all efforts to have an autopsy performed within 72 hours. Your funeral director will coordinate the release on your behalf or you may contact this office.

11. How do I obtain personal effects and items taken into evidence?

These items have been inventoried and logged within 24 hours and you may call this office to make arrangements to pick up these items in person or to have them shipped to you. This office is not responsible for items found in vehicles or residences. Generally, what is inventoried are items used to assist in identification such as papers, wallet, cell phones, or jewelry found with the deceased. Clothing will be inventoried and may be released to the funeral home. Occasionally clothing needs to be held as evidence for further investigation. Clothing that presents a health hazard (blood or otherwise) will be disposed of for the safety of all persons involved.

12. How do I obtain an Autopsy Report or Coroner’s Report?

Family members may request an Autopsy Report either verbally or in writing. Families will receive them free of charge. Attorney's and insurance companies will be charged a nominal fee.

Note: Autopsy Reports take an average of 12 weeks. The reason for this is due to toxicology and microscopic evaluation.

13. What is the policy on spreading ashes?

The question concerning the spreading of ashes has been asked often enough that it has been included here.The spreading of cremains has been discouraged by the National Forest Service but not prohibited. You do not need a permit. The Forest Service asks that you keep ashes away from the water table and not spread them in water.

If you have any other questions, please call our office at (970) 668-2964.