Autopsied Remains

 

Effective 5/3/2023
26B-8-216.  Release of body for funeral preparations.

(1)(a)Where a body is held for investigation or autopsy under this chapter or for a medical investigation permitted by law, the body shall, if requested by the person given priority under Section 58-9-602, be released for funeral preparations no later than 24 hours after the arrival at the office of the medical examiner or regional medical facility.

(b)An extension may be ordered only by a district court.

(2)The right and duty to control the disposition of a deceased person is governed by Sections 58-9-601 through 58-9-606.

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If you want to direct the services and final disposition of a body that has required an autopsy the Medical Examiner's Office (MEO) tries to be accommodating.

-They will negotiate a pick up date that works for your family.

 

-They will also let you know the condition of the body so you may plan to keep the casket closed or not. Typically an MEO only closes the body with light stitching, therefore if damage is extensive the body will be placed in a body bag so no seepage escapes from the casket the family brings.

 

-Closed casket services should be planned.  This means if a viewing is desired it should be closed casket.  Therefore it would be called a visitation and is conducted the same way a viewing is conducted.

 

Another option is for you to deliver the body directly to a cemetery or crematory for final disposition. This could be followed by a graveside service and/or a memorial service  that you conduct yourselves.