Genealogy Chat

I believe that when a person dies at home, they are referred to the coroner. The coroner does a post mortem and then I am not sure what happens. Also, is it possible to get a copy of the report? Would it say more than what is on the death certificate, ie, coronary heart disease? Thanks everyone Abigail

If you have the name+ address of the coroner you could contact them to see what information they can give you. The coroner's jurisdiction is now limited to finding the name of the deceased, and the cause of death. When the deceased died an unexpected, violent or unnatural death, the coroner will decide whether to hold a post-mortem and if necessary an inquest. If he or she decides to do so, the most common verdicts which he or she may return include: death by misadventure, accidental death, unlawful killing, lawful killing, suicide, natural causes and an open verdict. The coroner's former power to name a suspect for trial upon inquisition has been abolished. The coroner's verdict will sometimes be persuasive for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, but normally proceedings in the coroner's court are suspended until after the final outcome of any criminal case is known. More usually, a coroner's verdict will also frequently be relied upon in civil proceedings and insurance claims. 'Lawful killing' includes lawful self-defence, or where a doctor lawfully administers a painkiller from which the patient dies.

Hello Anne Do they still examine and report on major organs? And would they tell me things like where they died in their home, as in bed or a chair? Thanks Abigail

http://en*wikipedia.org/wiki/Coroner (replace * with .) this site gives info on the work of the coroner Regards Ann

Thank you, I managed to follow the trail and eventually got a number for the appropriate coroner's office. The lady I spoke to had actually dealt with it and was so helpful, kind and sensitive. It is sad news but I am sure that the report will help me sort it all out in my mind. Many thanks Abigail