Hamilton County Coroner

Ohio Law (ORC 2108.52) provides that the Coroner does not need permission for an autopsy. A family may object to an autopsy because of religious beliefs, as stated in section 313.13.1 of the Ohio Revised Code. In this case the Coroner will review the matter and determine whether it is absolutely necessary to perform an autopsy over the family's objections. If after careful review the Coroner determines an autopsy is required, the family may ask the court to intervene. These legal proceedings may take several days and will delay the release of the body to the funeral director. It is important for family members to inform the coroner's office immediately if they have any objection to an autopsy since most begin as soon as the body arrives at the coroner's office.

An autopsy is a medical examination by a forensic pathologist of the body of a deceased person for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death and recovering evidence from the body which might be needed in a criminal or civil legal action. A record is made of the autopsy findings including microscopic and toxicological laboratory tests. These laboratory tests are conducted after the release of the body for burial. There is no charge to the next-of-kin for an autopsy or any of the tests which may be conducted by the Coroner.

The amount of time required to complete an autopsy report is 8-12 weeks. In other cases, it can be longer depending on the type of extra testing and investigation needed to certify cause and manner of death. In Hamilton County, the autopsy report is a public record (excluding unadjudicated homicides) and can be obtained by sending a written request and self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below, or you can send an email to hccorecordsdept@hamiltoncountyohio.gov.

Hamilton County Coroner
4477 Carver Woods Drive
Blue Ash, OH 45242

The request must contain the name of the deceased and the date of death. There is no charge to the primary next-of-kin. There is a $.25 per page fee for all others. The Office may only accept by mail a check or money order. Cash is accepted when the request is made in person.

Coroner's Office / Crime Laboratory

Address:

4477 Carver Woods Dr - Blue Ash, OH 45242

Phone:

(513) 946-8700

Fax:

(513) 946-8730

Hours of Operation:

8am-4pm Mon-Fri

Laboratory Phone:

(513) 946-8750

Laboratory Fax:

(513) 946-8772

Autopsy Reports

Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy?

What is an autopsy and is there a charge?

When will the autopsy report be completed and how can I obtain a copy?

Request An Autopsy Report