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1. Why is a body brought to the Medical Examiner’s Office?

Bodies of deceased persons are brought to this office because Missouri State statutes require that the Medical Examiner investigate deaths of persons dying from “violence, or suddenly when in apparent health, or in any suspicious, unusual, or unnatural manner”. The Medical Examiner is responsible for determining the cause and manner of their death. A body may also be brought to the office if the identity of the deceased or next of kin is unknown.

2. What is an autopsy?

An autopsy is a systematic examination of the body of a deceased person by a qualified pathologist. The body is examined for the presence of disease or injury, and specimens of the vital organs and/or body fluids may be taken for microscopic, chemical, or other testing. These tests are conducted following completion of the examination and do not delay the release of the body to the next of kin. Having an autopsy does not in any way interfere with viewing the body at the funeral. Buchanan County autopsies are performed by a forensic pathologist at the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office in Kansas City, Missouri.

3. Can I prevent an autopsy from taking place?

The legal next of kin should inform our office if they object to an autopsy being performed. The Medical Examiner’s office is sensitive to the needs of the family and will seriously consider their objection.  However, in many cases an autopsy is required by law and we will be unable to comply with the family’s request.

4. Will acceptance of a case by the Medical Examiner’s Office mean that organ or tissue donation cannot take place?

The Medical Examiner’s Office supports the community efforts to promote organ and tissue donation whenever possible. This office will coordinate with the personnel of the organ bank to maximize the chance of organ and tissue recovery.

5. When will the body be released from the Medical Examiner’s office?

Nearly all cases are completed within 24-48 hrs. Bodies may need to be held longer if special forensic testing is required or to confirm the identity of the deceased.

6. Where will the personal property of the deceased by located?

Any property that is transported with the body to the Medical Examiner’s Office will be inventoried, stored, and released to the funeral director at the time of the release of the body.

7. What hours are you open?

The Buchanan County Medical Examiner office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am. to 4:30 pm. for calls. The Medicolegal Death Investigator is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accept reports of death. There is no viewing of decedents. All viewing must be arranged with the funeral home to which the decedent is released.

8. Is there a charge for a Medical Examiner Autopsy?

No. The cost for an autopsy performed under the Medical Examiner System is paid for by our tax dollars.

9. How do I arrange to have the body released?

To have a body released from the Medical Examiner’s office, the legal next of kin will need to call the Medical Examiner’s office at 816.271.1433 and
inform their office of the funeral home that has been selected. Please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

10. Where do I obtain a copy of the death certificate?

You should contact the funeral home for death certificates. You may also contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573.526.0348 for copies of death certificates.

11. How can I get a copy of the autopsy report?

The family can request a copy of the autopsy report by submitting a written request via email, mail or fax. Please include the following:
• Decedent’s full name
• Decedent’s date of death
• Decedent’s date of birth
• Your relationship to the decedent
• State that you are requesting a copy of the autopsy report
• Include your return address and contact number

Note: If requesting by mail, a self-addressed, stamped envelope will need to be provided with the request. Email request to: aperry@co.buchanan.mo.us. Please note that no reports will be released if an ongoing criminal case exists. Only after a criminal case is adjudicated or dismissed will an autopsy report be released.

12. Is the Medical Examiner’s Office involved in Hospice death cases?

Hospice companies report via paper reports all deaths that fall under hospice care. Determinations of whether the Medical Examiner will take jurisdiction on a hospice case is determined after receiving their report.

13. How do I report a death?

To report a death, please contact the on-call investigator:  816-259-1795