Frequently Asked Questions

You must contact your local law enforcement agency or district attorney to request a death investigation. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office performs autopsies at the request of county coroners, local officials, and state officials.

After the initial investigation, your loved one is transported to the facility used by the coroner’s office, which may include a local hospital or forensic lab, depending on the circumstances and whether an autopsy is required.

As per OCGA 45-16-1, a coroner is an elected official who must be a U.S. citizen, reside in the county in which he/she seeks office, is registered to vote, is at least 25 years of age, has obtained a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has not been convicted of a felony.

A medical examiner is a licensed physician who has specialty training in anatomic +/- clinical pathology and forensic pathology.

Only four counties in Georgia have their own medical examiners. Emanuel is not one of them. We have a coroner.

The coroner is involved when a death occurs under certain conditions, such as unexpected or suspicious circumstances, deaths resulting from violence, or when someone passes away in a state facility.

No, but all efforts will be made to respect the religious and cultural beliefs of the decedent’s next of kin.

An autopsy is only conducted if the cause of death cannot be determined through a preliminary investigation or if the case meets certain legal criteria, such as deaths involving children under seven.

An autopsy is a thorough medical examination performed by a forensic pathologist to determine the cause and manner of death. It involves examining the body and may include laboratory tests.

All requests for autopsies must be made through the coroner office or law enforcement. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office does not accept direct family request autopsies. The final determination as to the performance of an autopsy lies with the medical examiner.

The time needed for the investigation and autopsy (if required) can vary. The coroner’s office strives to complete its work as quickly as possible, typically within a few days, depending on case complexity, to avoid delays in funeral arrangements.

"Pending" means that further studies or information are required before a determination of the cause and manner of death can be made.  Common reasons that a case is pending include toxicology (drug analysis), histology (looking at slides under the microscope), or investigation.  The final determination of cause and manner of death may take on the order of months for these cases.

In most cases, identification by a family member is not required because the coroner’s office can usually confirm identity using other methods. If necessary, you will be contacted to discuss identification options.

Viewing at the coroner’s office is typically not permitted. Arrangements for viewing can be made through a funeral home once the coroner’s work is complete and your loved one is released.

Personal belongings found with the deceased are safeguarded by the coroner’s office and returned to the next of kin or a legal representative once the investigation is concluded.

Yes, an autopsy does not prevent an open casket service. The procedures are conducted in a way that allows for respectful viewing afterward.

No, families are not charged for an autopsy if it is required by the coroner. However, any additional private autopsies requested by the family would incur separate costs.

In some cases, medical devices must remain in place to aid in determining cause of death. These will be removed once they are no longer needed for the investigation.

The family is responsible for choosing and contacting a funeral home. The coroner’s office will coordinate the release of your loved one to the funeral home once the investigation is complete.

Certified death certificates can be obtained from Emanuel County Probate Court. Our website explains how to get a death certificate, but you can also look to the coroner for assistance with this matter.

During this difficult time, you may want to begin making funeral arrangements, gather any necessary documentation, and lean on family or friends for support. The coroner’s office can assist with any questions about the next steps.

If you’re unable to afford funeral expenses, there may be resources available in Emanuel County or through local organizations to assist with burial or cremation costs. Good points of contact to help navigate your situation might include the sheriff's office, the victims' services unit of the district attorney's office (in certain situations), and your funeral home of choice.

If your loved one was a veteran, they may be eligible for military funeral benefits. The coroner’s office can provide information on how to access these benefits or direct you to the appropriate resources. You can also reach out to the clerk of court's office if you need specific paperwork for a veteran.