| Coroner's Office |
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| Arapahoe County Government |
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| 13101 Broncos Parkway |
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| Centennial, CO 80112 |
| 720-874-3625 |
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| E-mail: Coroner |
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| Q. |
Where will my relative/friend be taken? |
| A. |
He/she may be taken to the Coroner's facility located in Centennial, CO, (720) 874-3625. He/she may be taken directly to the
mortuary of the family's choice upon approval of the Coroner's Investigator.
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| Q. |
Is viewing allowed? |
| A. |
Not usually. The Coroner's facility is not designed to provide viewing. Arrangements can be made for viewing in extreme cases.
This must be arranged through the Coroner's office by calling the number at left.
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| Q. |
Why is the Coroner involved? |
| A. |
State law requires the Coroner to inquire into and determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden deaths. Also
included are deaths where the decedent has not been seen by their physician within 30 days or those who die within 24 hours
of admission to a health care facility. The deceased will be examined by the Coroner's office to establish the cause of death.
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| Q. |
When can I get a death certificate? |
| A. |
A death certificate is issued after the examination is completed. Occasionally, more extensive testing is required, in which
case a pending death certificate may be issued. A final death certificate will be issued following completion of all tests.
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| Q. |
Will an autopsy be performed? |
| A. |
The Coroner performs an autopsy when there is a need to establish the cause and circumstances of death. The Coroner has the
discretion to not perform an autopsy if the cause and manner of death can be substantiated by other means. All cases are evaluated
on a case-by-case basis.
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| Q. |
What about tissue/organ donation? |
| A. |
The approval of the Coroners' office is required for tissue/organ donation for deaths that are under the auspices of the Coroner's
jurisdiction. With the next of kin consent, the family's wishes for donation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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| Q. |
My relative/friend was in the military. Who may I contact for information? |
| A. |
People who have served in the Armed Forces and were honorably discharged, and met other service requirements are entitled
to a veteran's burial. For information, contact Veteran's Affairs at 303-654-6000. Your funeral director also may assist you
with Military Veterans Social Security Benefits.
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| Q. |
What should I know |
| A. |
As soon as possible, select a funeral home of your choice and inform the funeral director that the death is being handled
by the Coroner's Office. Ask them to please contact us. Should the death of your relative/friend occur on a weekend or holiday,
you may contact the funeral home. Please explain to the representative that they should contact our office on the following
business day.
Our office does not select funeral homes nor do we make arrangements. In the event someone is making arrangements for the
family, the Coroner must be provided with written authorization to release the deceased, signed by the legal next of kin.
Should he/she reside at a distant location, they may send a fax directly to our office at 720-874-3627. The following format
should be used:
Arapahoe County Coroner Arapahoe County, Colorado release the remains of my (relationship and name of deceased) to (name of
funeral home selected.)
Signed: (name) Relationship; If the body is to be shipped out of state, the name of the local mortuary that will be picking
up the body must be included.
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| Q. |
Where may I obtain a death certificate? |
| A. |
Death certificates are filed by the funeral director at the county health department in the county where death was pronounced.
Should you require certified copies, they may be ordered from the funeral director.
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| Q. |
Will autopsy reports be available? |
| A. |
Yes. You may obtain a copy by calling the Coroner's Office at 720-874-3625, Monday through Friday during business hours. At
that time, you will be informed of the cost of this service as well as an approximate date the document will be available
for release.
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| Q. |
How and when may personal possessions be claimed? |
| A. |
Any personal possessions in the custody of the Coroner may be claimed by the legal next of kin. To avoid any inconvenience
to you, call the office prior to coming to the office. You will be advised of any documents that may be needed and of any
other requirements. Personal property may be claimed at the Coroner's Office Monday through Friday or property may be released
with the body to the mortuary.
Clothing is not usually considered property. Unless there is a need to hold clothing as evidence, it is released to the mortuary
with the body. Clothing that presents a health hazard may be disposed of for the safety of all persons involved.
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| Q. |
There are family members in the service. How are they notified? |
| A. |
During regular business hours, you may call the American Red Cross at 303-237-7785. After hours, please call 303-722-7474.
The Red Cross will assist you in the notification of the deceased's next of kin and arrangements for the family member's return
home.
We trust that the advice and counseling provided by your funeral director will be of help. However, should you need additional
assistance, please call our office at 720-874-3625.
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