The Mission of the Howard County Coroner's Office is to serve and protect the community with the highest standard of professionalism by providing a timely Medicolegal Death Investigation in a courteous manner while ensuring the compassion, dignity, and respect for the deceased and their families and to work collaboratively with all Law Enforcement Agencies.
- Identification of the deceased
- Determination of the cause of death
- Determination of the manner of death
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is my loved one being taken?
Your loved one will be transported to the Coroner's Office for further examination and possible autopsy unless otherwise indicated. This is the facility where we will perform a medical examination of the decedent as part of the investigation.
- Why is the Coroner's Office involved in the death of my loved one?
The following is a list of circumstances in which the Coroner's Office is contacted:
- Sudden death of a healthy child.
- Death occurring within 24 hours of admission at hospital or health care facility.
- Physician is unable to state cause of death, after a careful review of the medical records, or decedent does not have a physician.
- Known or suspected homicide.
- Following a primary or contributory accident or injury that is either recent or old.
- Drowning, fire, exposure, acute alcoholism, drug addiction, strangulation, or malnutrition.
- Known or suspected contagious disease constituting a public hazard.
- Occupational disease, hazards, or death.
- All deaths where patient dies while under anesthetic.
- Death while incarcerated.
- All deaths of unidentified persons.
- Is an autopsy always performed?
Not always. If the death is a "Natural Death" and the cause of death can be determined by past medical history or from an external exam, the Coroner will not order an autopsy.
- Why are autopsies performed?
There are a number of reasons autopsies are done. However, the most important reason is to complete an extensive examination to further gather medical information and evidence to accurately determine and define the Cause and Manner of Death.
- Is there a Charge for these Services?
No, if performed at the request of the Coroner.
- Can I see my loved one?
Due to legal and health issues, visitation of your loved one is done only at the funeral home after the body has been properly prepared.
- What about funeral arrangements?
Contact the funeral home of your choice as soon as possible and advise them of what has transpired. Your funeral director will then coordinate further arrangements with the Coroner's Office and help you begin the arrangements.
- How long before I can get a death certificate?
Depending on what testing is done on the average of 4-6 weeks before a final death certificate can be signed.
- Can I contact the Coroner's Office?
Absolutely, you may contact us at the following:
Administrative Phone: (765) 456-1186 24 Hours Dispatch: (765)-457-1105 Fax: (765) 456-2041 Email: coroner@howardcountyin.gov
David Granger
Coroner 
Howard County