The Irish coroner just announced Sinead O’Connor died of natural causes (COPD and asthma – smokers take note). Why did it take them so long to figure that out? Do autopsy results always take over a year? What’s the hold up?
In: Other
OH I actually used to work at the Coroner’s unit. Not sure how it works around the world but I am pretty sure the reasons are the same.
As others have mentioned, the Autopsy does take place within a couple of days if not a little longer. A dead body starts deteriorating fast even while frozen, so they do prioritize the autopsy but just don’t write the actual reports or findings until much later. In most cases we get a preliminary cause of death based on the Autopsy but that is given by the Forensic pathologist who is separate from the coroner. Its up to the coroner to make the final decision after reading the pathologist’s findings.
1. LOT of backlog. Usually, coroner’s units fall under some ministry or branch of Justice and although they are well funded, they are still subject to govt hiring freezes, etc. So not enough coroners and admin staff to keep up with the demand.
2. Tests and samples have a long turnaround time. The same backlog affects labs and testing centers. I have seen some reports or tests take almost 3 months sometimes to come back to us.
3. A lot of cross-checking and double-checking facts & reports. Calling around to hospitals, expert clinicians, and family physicians to get the medical history of the deceased. It’s not just 1 coroner involved in death investigations, it also includes some form of supervisor or manager who is also a coroner with experience that double checks reports and cause of death to make sure it’s accurate. Even more prevalent in VIP cases.
4. Complicated deaths can require coordinating with police & fire departments. They are just as slow and backlogged so that adds to turnaround times.
Latest Answers