Frequently Asked Questions

The Medical Examiner’s duties are directed by Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 146.090. The statute lists the following types of cases that must be reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in each county, which include but are not limited to:

• Apparent homicide, suicidal or deaths occurring under suspicious or unknown circumstances;

• Deaths resulting from the unlawful use of drugs, chemicals or toxic agents;

• Deaths that occur while a person is incarcerated in any jail, correction facility or in police custody;

• Accidental deaths or a death following an injury;

• Deaths that occur from disease, injury or toxic agent during or arising from employment;

• Deaths that occur while not under the care of a physician during the period immediately previous to death;

• Deaths that are related to disease that might constitute a threat to the public health; or

• Deaths where a person’s body may have been disposed of in an offensive manner.

• ORS 146.100: All deaths of persons admitted to a hospital or institution for less than 24 hours.

The Medicolegal Death Investigator will receive reports of death, review decedents’ medical records and police reports related to the death, determine jurisdiction, make a scene response when needed, photograph the scene and the decedent, conduct thorough body examinations, collect specimens for toxicology testing, when necessary, interview next of kin, and complete a detailed report. 

Medical Examiners manage investigations of deaths, determine the cause and manner of death after reviewing the Medicolegal Death Investigator’s report, scene photos, decedent’s medical records, and then will produce a death certificate.

In some cases, your loved one may be released to a funeral service after the initial scene investigation. When family members are not immediately available to designate a funeral service, one will be selected within the geographical area. 

In other cases, when further examination is necessary, your loved one will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Clackamas, Oregon.

If necessary, an autopsy will be performed at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office to establish the cause and manner of death when deemed necessary by a Forensic Pathologist.

The family’s desires are always carefully considered; however, the Oregon State Medical Examiner makes the final decision regarding which examination procedures are necessary.  

Related FAQ item:  Do I have to pay for the examination or autopsy? No. Examination and autopsy costs are paid for with public funds.

No. Examination and autopsy costs are paid for with public funds.

No. These procedures do not prevent your loved one from being viewed or having a funeral service.

Most examinations or autopsies are performed the day after a person has died to allow the body to be released to the funeral service quickly. Unfortunately, some examinations do take longer. Families need to choose a funeral home within a week of an autopsy. We appreciate your patience in these rare circumstances.

Yes. The Medicolegal Death Investigator assigned to your loved one’s case will contact you with the results.

Copies of examination and toxicology reports are available in some circumstances. 

All requests must be made to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Request forms can be downloaded from the State’s website at www.oregon.gov/osp/sme

No. We will use photo identification when possible. We may also use fingerprints, dental records, or other methods.

First, you may want to call a friend or family member for support as you begin the process of contacting and selecting a funeral service. 

Then, once you have chosen a service, advise them that the death is being investigated by the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Funeral directors are familiar with the Medical Examiner’s Office and can assist you in making all arrangements including, how to obtain a death certificate.

Personal property will normally be secured by law enforcement or the Medicolegal Death Investigator.

After the cause of death has been determined, the State or County Medical Examiner will sign the death certificate and forward it to the funeral service that is handling the arrangements. 

The funeral service will send the death certificate to the State Vital Records Office to be registered. Once registered, a certified copy may be ordered through the funeral service or the Lincoln County Vital Records Office.

In most cases, yes. The Medical Examiner will authorize anatomical gifts whenever possible.

Information the Funeral Service will ask for about your loved one: 

▪ Legal name

▪ Date of birth

▪ Place of birth

▪ Maiden name (if applicable)

▪ Mother’s full and maiden name

▪ Father’s full name

▪ Social security number

▪ Veteran information (if applicable)

▪ Marital status

▪ Ethnicity

▪ Level of education completed

▪ Occupation

The legal next-of-kin or representative has the right to select any licensed funeral service to arrange mortuary and disposition services. Below is a list of licensed funeral service facilities located in Lincoln County and its neighboring counties. Costs for services may vary between facilities.

Please note that the Medical Examiner’s Office is unable to recommend a specific funeral home. 

Lincoln County:

Bateman Funeral Home

541-265-2751

Pacific View Memorial Gardens & Crematory

541-994-4662

Affordable Burial & Cremation

541-265-7111

Tillamook County:

Waud’s Funeral Home

503-842-7557

Benton County:

McHenry Funeral Home & Cremation Services

541-757-8141

De Moss-Durdan Funeral Home & Crematory

541-754-6255

After Cremation: 844-789-5794

Lane County:

Musgrove Family Mortuary

541-205-9366

Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium and

Cemetery: 541-342-6853

Andreason’s Cremation & Burial Service

541-485-6659

Major Family Funeral Home

541-746-9667

Rest-Haven Memorial Park & Funeral Home

541-345-8521

Lane Memorial Funeral Home

541-215-6944

Alpha Cremation Service Company

541-215-6774

Springfield Memorial Funeral Home

541-215-6968

Murphy-Musgrove Funeral Home

541-215-6926

Polk County:

Restlawn Memory Gardens & Funeral Home

503-585-1373

Farnstrom Mortuary

503-838-1414

Bollman’s Tribute Center

503-623-2325

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