The Office of the Medical Investigator extends our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your family member or loved one. We recognize that this is a very difficult time, particularly due to the waiting period between a loved one's passing and the conclusion of the investigation.
Please be aware that each case is unique, the investigation process typically takes up to 90 days to complete. If you have not yet received a death certificate or autopsy/postmortem reports, it is likely because the case is still pending, and a cause and manner of death have not been determined.
Once the cause and manner of death have been determined and the case is complete, the OMI will work with the funeral home selected by the next-of-kin to process a death certificate. If there is no funeral home on record, the OMI cannot process the death certificate. The OMI collaborates with the funeral home and/or tribal enrollment office, and the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Statistics to certify the death certificate.
Please note that the OMI does not provide the death certificate directly. The next-of-kin can obtain the death certificate from the funeral home and/or tribal enrollment office once the process is complete.
Once the cause and manner of death have been determined and the case is closed, the OMI will prepare reports, which are available upon request. To request an autopsy/postmortem report, please click on the link below to fill out a request form.