Family Support Information
On behalf of the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (RFSC), we would like to extend our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Below is basic information to assist you with the necessary procedures following the death of a loved one.
Why is the Coroner involved?
Pursuant to Kansas law, the District Coroner is responsible for investigating deaths within Sedgwick County that:
- result from evidence
- are child deaths
- are sudden when in apparent health
- lack a regularly attending physician
- are suspicious or unusual in manner
- occur when in police custody
- are held to be in the public interest
- occur by unlawful means
- are likely the result of suicide
An examination is performed in every case assumed by the Sedgwick County District Coroner, but depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, a full autopsy is not always required.
Where will my loved one be taken?
In some cases, the decedent may be released to a funeral home after the initial report of death or scene investigation. In other cases, when further examination is necessary, the decedent will be taken to the Regional Forensic Science Center in Wichita, KS.
Is viewing allowed at the RFSC?
No. The decedent may be viewed at the funeral home once your loved one has been released from the RFSC. Generally, the decedent will be released within 24 to 48 hours; however, some situations do take longer.
Is it necessary for family to identify the deceased?
No. In most cases, visual identification is obtained by the Medical Investigator at the location of death. In some cases, positive identification may have to be obtained by forensic processes: fingerprints, dental or x-ray comparison, medical implants or devices, DNA, or anthropology.
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is an examination of a person’s body and/or internal organs after death by a forensic pathologist.
The function of the autopsy is to identify and document the presence or absence of disease and/or injuries for the determination of cause and manner of death.
An autopsy is accompanied by an investigation of the circumstances of death, review of medical history and toxicology testing.
Will an examination or autopsy prevent a funeral service?
No. These procedures do not prevent the decedent from being viewed or preclude a funeral service.
Do I have to pay for the autopsy?
No. Examinations and autopsy costs are paid for with public funds.
Can I get a preliminary report?
No. There are no preliminary reports.
How do I recover personal effects?
Clothing and personal effects are usually released to the funeral home or crematory with the decedent. However, under certain circumstances, clothing and personal effects may be considered evidence and are released to law enforcement.
How do I obtain a copy of the autopsy report?
Families can request a certified copy of the final autopsy report by submitting a request to the Clerk of the District Court at 316-660-5900 or micro@dc18.org.
How do I obtain a death certificate?
The death certificate can be obtained from the funeral home, cremation facility, or:
Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, Office of Vital Statistics
1-877-305-8315
www.kdheks.gov/vital
A death certificate with a pending cause/manner of death can often be provided by the funeral home while the autopsy report and toxicology testing are still in progress.
What Do I Do Next?
Here are a few suggestions to help guide you and your loved ones through this process:
- Involve your family and friends for support and comfort.
- Discuss desired memorial arrangements or funeral services and final disposition (cremation, burial/internment).
- Select a funeral home to help you make arrangements and coordinate final disposition of your loved one’s remains. You can call a variety of funeral homes, ask questions and obtain pricing. Any funeral home can assist with cremation.
- Call 316-660-4800 and advise the Coroner’s Office/RFSC which funeral home you’ve selected.Once you have chosen a funeral home, the funeral director will have you sign a body release authorization form, which the funeral director will transmit to the Coroner’s Office/RFSC on your behalf.
- Upon completion of the examination or autopsy, the funeral director will make arrangements to pick up and transport your loved one’s remains to the funeral home.
- Start a file or folder to correlate all paperwork and information that will be shared with you as a result of your loved one’s death.
Support following vehicle fatalities:
DUI Victim Center of Kansas
316-768-2096 / www.duivictimscenterofkansas.com
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
1-877-623-3435 / www.madd.org
Support following violent crime:
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)
316-993-8744 / www.pomc.org
Violence Impact Community Integration Program
316-214-1967
Broad range crisis support, or support specific to the needs of veterans or youth:
Community Crisis Center (COMCARE)
316-660-7500 / www.sedgwickcounty.org/comcare
Good Grief of Kansas
316-612-0700 / www.goodgriefofkansas.org
Veterans Crisis Line
988 / www.veteranscrisisline.net
Support following suicide:
Lemon Aid
www.sixftover.org
Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition
316-660-7500 / www.988lifeline.og
Suicide prevention and crisis support for youth:
Wichita Children's Home - Kidzcope
316-263-3335 / www.wch.org/who-we-serve/grief
The Trevor Project
866-488-7386 / www.thetrevorproject.org
Support and funeral assistance following the loss of an infant:
Agapé Care Cradle
316-263-4673 / www.agapecarecradle.org
Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network, Inc.
316-682-1301 / www.kidsks.org
The City of Wichita Victims Assistance Unit
Provides support for the emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of victims of crime through crisis intervention, direct assistance, advocacy, education, information, outsourced therapy, and referrals.
316-268-4376
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate
Provides support for incidents throughout the Wichita Metropolitan area.
316-660-5305