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Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do now?
The first step is to contact the funeral home of your choice to discuss arrangements and to sign a release establishing your legal right to the remains. The decedent cannot be released to a funeral home without written authorization of the legal next of kin. This step should be completed as soon as possible to avoid costly delays.
Why is the Coroner involved?
Law requires the following types of deaths be reported to the Coroner. Persons with:
- No regular physician
- Sudden death
- Unusual death
- Suspected suicide
- Death from recent or old injury
- With reasonable suspicion that death may be caused by and act of another
Where is the body being taken?
The decedent will be taken to the Knox County Morgue and may be transferred to another facility for autopsy.
When can I view the decedent?
Viewing is done at the funeral home.
Can I see the Coroner's report?
Autopsy and toxicology reports are public information and available for a fee. It normally takes 8 weeks for these reports to be available.
What about organ and tissue donation?
Your Coroner's office attempts to honor your loved one's wishes by working closely with transplant services. Each case is unique.
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