The forensic pathologist can sometimes determine the cause of death and issue a final death certificate following the initial examination. If additional tests or investigation is necessary to certify the death, a ‘Pending’ death certificate will be issued. These additional tests may take several weeks for analysis. Thank you for your patience.
An amended death certificate will be issued listing the final cause of death when the autopsy report is finalized. Official copies of the amended death certificate may be obtained from the funeral home that handled your arrangements, the local health department or the Office of Vital Records.
OMI investigators will count and identify the medications being used as this can provide useful information in the investigation of the death. These are not typically collected by OMI or the police, however you can take them to a designated drop off location.
These locations can be found online at: useonlyasdirected.org/throw-out/.
Once the examination is complete, and a family has designated an arrangement for burial or cremation, the body will be released. This is usually to a mortuary or cremation service, but can be directly released to the family. Family members must instruct the funeral home to call the Office of the Medical Investigator for release of the body.
The law provides for burial or cremation when no relative claims the body. These matters are handled through the county finance office in the county where the individual resided or if the residence is unknown, the county where the death occurred.
In certain instances, the Office of the Medical Investigator may retain varying amounts of tissue including whole organs after the body has been released if the tissue is needed for diagnostic purposes
All clothing and personal items held by the Office of the Medical Investigator will be released with the body to the funeral home or crematory, unless it is identified as evidence. Any item identified as evidence will be turned over to the investigating law enforcement agency. For questions regarding these items please contact Investigations at 505-272-3053.
No. Please contact the funeral home if you wish to view the body. If identification is required, or if your loved one is missing please contact Investigations at 505-272-3053.
In New Mexico, family members can transport deceased family members and can conduct burials on private lands. Refrigeration, embalming or burial must take place within 24 hours of death, and restrictions exist on where burials may take place. The Office of the Medical Investigator can assist with these questions.