Please accept our condolences on the loss of your friend or loved one. The following material is intended to provide you with information that our experience has shown to be of value during this difficult time.
Section 102850, Health and Safety Code, gives the following definitions of circumstances of death that should be reported to the Coroner:
When a death appears to be from natural causes, the cause of death may be available in most cases, after 3:00 p.m. the day following the death. However, when the death is the result of a homicide, suicide, accident, and in many natural deaths, the cause of death may not be available for 8-10 weeks due to delays in forensic testing and the receipt of medical records. This does not delay release of the body. The body may be released to a funeral home as soon as the autopsy is completed.
One copy of the Coroner Report is available to the next-of-kin free of charge. Additional copies of the Coroner Report or other related reports are subject to collection of an established fee. To order a report copy, please telephone the Siskiyou County Record’s Office at (530-842-8301) between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies are mailed out as soon as possible after completion of the report. The average length of time for processing the results and report is 8-10 weeks after the date of death.
A deceased person’s property may be claimed by contacting the Coroner’s Division Property @ 530-842-8386 to make the necessary appointment. Appointments are preferred Tuesday thru Thursday 800am to 300pm. In accordance with federal and state blood borne pathogen standards, clothing, and/or other items contaminated with blood or body fluids are disposed of unless the item has obvious significant value. The blood borne pathogen laws and standards were established to protect the general public as well as our employees. The next of kin must sign in person for all remaining property or must authorize another person in writing to receive the property. Contact the Coroner's Office for special requirements regarding the release of firearms. The next of kin is established by Section 6402 of the Probate Code. After 90 days all unclaimed property will be disposed of per department policy.
The general order of priority for release of property is:
Death Certificates may be ordered through the Siskiyou County Recorders Office. There is a cost for certified copies of the death certificate. The telephone number is (530-842-8076).
Viewing is done at the funeral home. It is not permitted at the Coroner’s Office.
The Coroner’s Office works closely with the area transplant services. The decedent’s next of kin may be contacted by a transplant service regarding possible donations. If you are interested in donations or desire additional information about organ and tissue donation, please refer to the telephone numbers provided under “Related Agencies” in this brochure.
The deceased is being removed to the Coroner’s Office.
California Government Code Section 27472 establish a transportation and storage fee, payable to Siskiyou County by the person legally responsible, under Section 7100 of the Health & Safety Code, for the disposition of the remains. Typically, that person is the same person responsible for disposition of the body.
You should make arrangements to handle the Coroner’s transportation and storage fee with the mortuary service.
If it is determined that an autopsy, external examination or toxicology analysis is required to determine or confirm the cause and manner of death pursuant to California Government Code Section 27491, tissue(s)/organ(s)/body fluid(s) may be retained for analysis and/or evidentiary purposes pursuant to California Government Code Section 27491.4. Tissues/organs/body fluids retained at autopsy or as part of any coroner investigative procedure will be disposed of pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 7054.4
Contact a mortuary service of your choice to discuss funeral arrangements and sign a release establishing your legal right to the remains. Legal authority to handle disposition of remains is established by Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code.
The general order of priority for authority for release of the body is:
Families may find themselves financially unable to cover costs related to final disposition. Siskiyou County offers cremation for indigents. You may set up an interview to determine eligibility by calling Siskiyou County Public Administrator @ 530-842-8133
If you qualify for the indigent cremation program, Siskiyou County will handle final disposition and burial of the remains.
The Coroner’s Office assures you that the deceased will be treated with respect and dignity. The essence of the Coroner’s inquiry is to search for the truth. The impartial medico legal investigation helps to support and protect the public.
If you have any questions, please contact the Deputy Coroner handling the case at (530-842-8300, or 24hr 530-841-2900).
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Girdners Funeral Chapel |
(530) 842-3434 |
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Mount Shasta Chapel |
(530) 926-2131 |
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California Highway Patrol (Yreka) |
(530) 841-6006 |
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California Highway Patrol (Mt.Shasta) |
(530) 926-2627 |
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Mount Shasta Police |
(530) 926-7540 |
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Yreka Police |
(530) 841-2300 |
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Public Administrator |
(530) 842-8133 |
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Weed Police |
(530) 938-5000 |
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Lake Shastina Police |
(530) 938-4113 |
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Siskiyou County Recorders |
(530) 842-8076 |