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1. How can I get a private autopsy?

If the death was not deemed a coroner’s case, you may have a private autopsy performed at your expense. Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and The Ohio State University Medical Center perform a private autopsy. Costs range from $1,800 - $2,900*, but does not include transportation to their facility.

For more information, contact WSU Department of Pathology, 140 White Hall, 3640 Col. Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435-0001; telephone (937) 775-2625 or OSU Medical Center, Department of Pathology, 081 Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1240; telephone a (614) 247-7485.
*Rates subject to change.

2. Why is a body brought to the coroner’s office?

The remains of the deceased are brought to the coroner’s office because Ohio Law requires that the coroner investigate the death of a person who has died from criminal violence, by accident, suicide, suddenly, when unattended by a physician for a long period of time or in any unusual
manner. A body may also be brought to the coroner’s office because the identity of the deceased or the next of kin may be unknown.

3. Does the coroner need permission from the next of kin for an autopsy?

Ohio Law (ORC 2108.52) provides that the coroner does not need permission for an autopsy. The coroner will make every attempt to comply with the wishes of the next of kin as long as it does not conflict with the duties of the coroner by Ohio law.

4. Will I be able to have an open casket viewing after an autopsy?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, an open casket may be possible. The autopsy staff are very professional and make every effort to make this happen. However, there are times when an open casket is just not possible.

5. How long before my loved one is released and I get results?

After the autopsy is complete, the body will be released to the funeral home that the family has chosen. Depending on what time of day the death occurred, the autopsy may occur the same or next day. The autopsy results may take six to ten weeks to come back depending on the extent of the toxicology report, if one was necessary. The autopsy results come to the coroner’s office. In Greene County, one copy of the autopsy report is provided to each family. Additional copies may be purchased for a minimal cost.

6. Where is the body taken for the autopsy?

Your loved ones body is taken to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office in Dayton, Ohio. After the autopsy is complete, the body may be released to the funeral home of your choice. Any clothing and jewelry will be transported with them to the funeral home. Other belongings may be taken as evidence by the coroner’s office. Those items may later be released to the family unless they are needed as evidence. In cases where there may be a large amount of cash or valuables, the family may need to pick that up from the probate court in their county.

7. Where can I get a copy of a death certificate?

A Pending Death certificate will be issued a few days after the death has occurred. Most insurance companies will not accept this until the “second” or Supplemental Death certificate is issued. This is completed after the results of the autopsy are received and the Coroner has ruled on the case. The death certificate is filed with the local county health department. Most funeral homes provide the family with a few copies of the death certificate. Additional copies may be purchased through the Greene County Public Health Department, Office of Vital Statistics, 360 Wilson Drive, Xenia, Ohio 45385, or by telephone at (937) 374-5639.

8. What is the cost for an Autopsy?

There is no cost to the family for an autopsy that has been ordered by the county coroner.

9. How do I choose a funeral home?

The funeral homes is selected by the family for a variety of reasons. In cases where there is no money for burial, the deceased individual may qualify for an indigent burial through decease’s city of residence; not all cities have indigent burial programs. Otherwise, families may choose to have their loved one cremated for a lesser cost to them.

Funeral Homes in Greene County

10. How a death is reported?

Normally, a death is reported by hospital staff, nursing facility personnel or a local paramedic, police, or fire professional on the scene. The information needed includes the following:

• Name and address of the deceased
• Age and date of birth
• Sex and Race
• Social Security Number
• Marital Status
• Next of kin – address and phone number
• Place and manner of occurrence
• Date and time of occurrence
• Date and time of death
• Name of the person pronouncing the death
• Name of person reporting the death
• Any other information which may be helpful
• Location of the body
• Name of funeral home
• Last person who saw or spoke to victim prior to death
• Medical history

11. Who can pronounce a death?

In Ohio, a death may be pronounced by a physician, a nurse, paramedic or coroners investigator.