Marion County Coroner explains how sudden deaths are investigated

Alpharena McGinty, Marion County coroner, described her office’s responsibilities in investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected or suspicious and in cases of homicide, suicide, accidents and infant or child fatalities. “We perform either an autopsy or an external exam along with tests,” McGinty said, adding that investigators work at the scene with law enforcement and speak with families to gather background information.

McGinty said investigators use scene information, medical examinations and laboratory tests to determine a cause and manner of death. “That information is then put on a death certificate and also put into an autopsy report or examination report, and then that information is given ... to the family,” she said. After examinations are complete, McGinty said the office releases the decedent to a funeral home so families can make funeral arrangements.

Why this matters: the coroner’s findings can affect legal processes, burial arrangements and health reporting. McGinty emphasized that the investigation is both a technical process and a family service: staff balance evidence-gathering with communicating results and providing guidance on next steps for grieving relatives.

The coroner’s office also works to explain procedures to families who may be distressed or have trouble recalling details after a traumatic loss. McGinty said the office provides resources to help families navigate the post-death process and to understand the paperwork and timelines that follow an investigation.