Next of Kin Resources

The Medical Examiner is mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to investigate and determine the manner and cause of death in cases of homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths as well as all natural deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or medically unattended. Accordingly, the manner and cause of death are determined by an extensive investigation and postmortem examination (autopsy).

Additional testing is required in most cases and may include, but is not limited to, microbiology, toxicology, and neuropathology. The time frame for completion varies depending on the extent of testing. When all testing and investigative measures are complete, a final cause and manner of death is issued in order to certify a death certificate which is generated in accordance with the medical findings.

The postmortem examination, which may consist of a complete exam or an external exam, is vital in the determination of a definitive manner and cause of death. The decision to perform an autopsy is made by the Forensic Pathologist. Objections from the next of kin to having an autopsy are considered only after a waiver is signed. Please be advised that the autopsy waiver itself does not preclude the autopsy. Without this critical and often necessary procedure, it is more difficult or may be impossible for the Office of the Medical Examiner to accurately determine a manner and cause of death.

Cause and Manner of death investigation information is kept confidential and not released publicly unless for purposes of criminal investigation, legal requirement, state legislative mandate, or data sharing cooperation.

In accordance with Pennsylvania State Law, the Next of Kin shall be in the following order (provided such a person is 18 years or older, or an emancipated minor):

1. Spouse (regardless of whether separated or divorcing, but not divorced)
2. Children (note: not stepchildren)
3. Grandchildren
4. Parents
5. Siblings and their children (i.e., nieces and nephews)
6. Grandparent(s)
7. Uncle/Aunt

If a positive identification is necessary an Investigator, in conjunction with the police department, will notify the next of kin and explain the procedure for identifying the decedent. The Office of the Medical Examiner is not designed as a viewing facility.

The legal next of kin should select a funeral home as soon as possible and inform the funeral director that the death is under the jurisdiction of the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. Generally, the release of the decedent should not take more than 24 hours. The funeral director will coordinate the release on your behalf.

The Office of the Medical Examiner does not select, recommend, or make funeral arrangements. In the event someone is making funeral arrangements for the family, the Medical Examiner must be provided with written authorization to release the deceased. Use the following forms:

• Relinquishment of Rights to the County
• Relinquishment or Release to Another Party

Personal possessions in the custody of the Medical Examiner may be claimed by the legal next of kin. The personal effects will be released to the funeral home chosen by the legal next of kin. Upon special circumstances, and with authorization of Morgue Management, the next of kin may respond to the office to pick up personal effects. Photo identification is required prior to the release of personal effects.

Unless there is a need to hold clothing as evidence, it will be released to the funeral director recovering the decedent. For the safety of all, clothing that presents a health hazard may be discarded.

Although facing the death of a loved one is overwhelming, a decision regarding organ donation may present the opportunity to save lives. A representative from the Center of Organ Recovery and Education (C.O.R.E.) may contact you to advise and discuss your options. The organ donation procedure will not be performed without the authorization of both the next of kin and the Office of the Medical Examiner.

C.O.R.E. - Pittsburgh
1-800-DONORS-7 (1-800-367-6777)

If a loved one has been sent to ACOME for a postmortem examination, you can check the status of testing ordered by the Pathologist to complete the final autopsy report and/or the final cause and manner of death. Required information includes: Decedent's Name, ACOME Case Identifier (provided to you from ACOME), Date of Birth.

Once the determination is made regarding the cause and manner of death, ACOME generates its portion of the death certificate. The certificate is then given to the chosen funeral home for completion. Following burial or cremation, the funeral director files the death certificate with the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records. Additional certified copies of the death certificate can be obtained through the Department of Vital Records. Death Certificates cannot be obtained from ACOME.

Final autopsy reports are available for release to the legal next of kin. Submit an online request or mail a request to:

Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office
1520 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

There is no charge for the initial copy of the final autopsy report to the legal next of kin. Please allow at least 12 weeks for delivery from the date of death. If the case is pending due to laboratory or investigative studies, it may take additional weeks or months from the date of death to finalize the cause and manner of death.

In the event the deceased or the legal next of kin does not have sufficient funds for burial, the organizations listed below may provide assistance and recommendations regarding interment. Allegheny County does not provide an indigent burial program. If all efforts to locate and notify next of kin have been exhausted, the Office of the Medical Examiner will provide disposition of the body after 15 days.

• Catholic Charities/St. Vincent DePaul Pittsburgh: 412-321-1071
• Jewish Cemetery & Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh: 412-554-6460 or 412-421-9477
• Allegheny County Veterans Services-Pittsburgh: 412-621-4357

If you have information regarding a possible unidentified or unclaimed decedent, please visit the ACOME "Unclaimed and Unidentified" area to either review our available data or to submit information.

• Autopsy Waiver Form
• Autopsy and Toxicology Results Request Form
• Release of Rights to the County
• Relinquishment or Release to Another Person

Per Pennsylvania State Coroner Legislation Section 1252B, autopsy reports and toxicology reports will be issued to requestors upon receipt of payment of the fees assigned for such reports.