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1. I am the legal next of kin and my loved one is at the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. What are the next steps?

You should make a mortuary selection as soon as possible. When you make a mortuary selection, you will need to complete  paperwork with that agency. They will then contact us to arrange for release of the decedent into their care. If you need a list of local mortuaries, please request this via email. If you are not local you may consider making contact with a mortuary in your area to ask them to assist with this process.

2. I am the next of kin and there is property at the coroner's office that I need to pick up. How can I do that?

To claim personal property, the decedent’s legal next of kin should bring photo identification to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.). If you are not able to come to the office during business hours call our office at 303-271-6480.

3. I'm not the next of kin, but I would like information about the death of a friend or relative. What information can I obtain?

In general, you will be directed to the next of kin for any information about the decedent.

4. If an autopsy is required for my loved one, will I be charged a fee?

No. Autopsies and laboratory testing performed by order of the Coroner are paid by the Coroner's budget. When an autopsy is not deemed necessary, we are happy to give the family some names and numbers of local pathologists who perform private autopsies. Please note that a private autopsy contracted by the family will incur a fee as specified by the pathologist who is hired to perform the private autopsy.

5. May I view or visually identify my relative at the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office?

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is not set up for viewings or visual identification. While we understand the need to visit a loved one who has died, we must insist that such visits occur at the mortuary after the body has been released. Also, forensic identification techniques are used to identify decedents in virtually every case.

6. My loved one has died and I have no money to pay a mortuary to handle the arrangements. What can I do?

Indigent individuals may qualify for burial assistance. Call the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office at 303-271-6480 for guidance and a referral.

7. What records does the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office produce?

In Jefferson County, death certificates are obtained via the mortuary or the Vital Statistics Office of Jefferson County Public Health at 303-271-6450. If an autopsy was performed, the autopsy report is a  public record and may be requested via email.  Most other records cannot be released. If you have a specific question  or need specific information, contact our office at 303-271-6480.

8. What volunteer or internship opportunities are available with the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office?

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office does not have volunteer or  internship opportunities; however, there are programs with other offices in the area.

9. When a person dies, where is the body taken?

Coroner personnel must determine whether a body will be released directly to a mortuary or taken to the county morgue for further evaluation; therefore, the Jefferson County Coroner's Office must be immediately notified whenever a death has occurred. If the death was expected due to a long illness, and if no suspicious or unusual  occurrences hastened death, there is the potential for the decedent to be released to the mortuary from the scene.

10. When is an autopsy performed, and what if I disagree with the decision regarding autopsy for my loved one?

While the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is obligated by Colorado  Revised Statutes and the National Association of Medical Examiners to perform autopsies under specific circumstances, in many circumstances the manner and cause of death can be determined by review of scene investigation, external examination of the decedent, review of medical  records, and interviews with physicians and family members. While the  final decision to perform an autopsy rests with the Coroner, the next of kin’s wishes are considered.

11. When must the coroner's office be notified of a death?

Please visit our When to Notify the Coroner's Office of a Death page for more information.