Medical Examiner FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

How soon can we get a copy of an autopsy report?

Although our goal is to complete autopsy reports in 90 days, on average it may take one to four months to complete a report. If additional testing is needed, it would require more time. For example, if the deceased is an infant and brain testing is required, it may take up to six months to receive the neuropathology report.

We only provide autopsy reports for Boone and Callaway counties. Autopsy reports for other counties are provided by that county’s coroner.

Autopsy reports are given to the legal next of kin.

What constitutes legal next of kin?

If the deceased adult is married, the spouse is the legal next of kin.
If the deceased adult has no spouse, then the adult children are considered the legal next of kin. The report will be given to one of the adult children. They are responsible for sharing it with the other adult children.
If there is neither a spouse nor adult children, then the decedent’s parents are considered as the legal next of kin.
If there is no spouse, adult children or living parents, then the siblings of the decedent are the legal next of kin. One of the siblings would receive the report and be responsible for sharing it with any other siblings.

How long does it take for a toxicology report to come back?

Toxicology results can take anywhere from four to six weeks to complete. As testing is conducted by an outside lab, we are unable to expedite reports.

How do I obtain a Death Certificate?

The funeral home will provide the death certificate. When funeral arrangements are made, the funeral home will ask the family how many copies of the death certificate they need. The funeral home will provide those copies directly to the family.

If the family or another entity requires additional copies or needs a copy at a future date, they may contact the Bureau of Vital Records or the Public Health Department in their county.

The role of the Medical Examiner’s Office is to complete our portion of the death certificate. Once our portion of the death certificate is completed, the original is sent to the funeral home for finalization and then forwarded to the Bureau of Vital Records to be filed with the State of Missouri.

Where can we view our loved one?

Please reach out to your funeral home or crematorium to arrange a viewing at their location.

Where can I collect my loved one’s property?

Any personal property brought in with the decedent will be transferred with them to the designated funeral home or crematorium and turned over to the family.

Support Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat.