Information and Resources

Purpose of this online Booklet

BUSINESS NAMES OR OUTSIDE LINKS IN THIS BOOKLET ARE NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE BUSINESS OR LINKS, THEY ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

Purpose of this Booklet

The death of a loved one often raises many questions. The Benton County Coroner’s Office is committed to do as much as we can to help answer your questions in this trying time.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Benton County Coroner’s Office or the information is this booklet, we welcome your input and invite you to contact us.

Mental Health Resources

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the crisis line at 1-800-572-8122 or 988. If the issue you are seeking help for is urgent, and potentially life-threatening, please call 911.

Getting Started

Funeral homes will need some vital statistic data and some paperwork for the deceased in order to properly complete the death certificate.

Full Name of Decedent _______________________________

Parent’s Names _____________________________________

Mother’s Maiden Name ______________________________

Social Security Number _______________________________

Decedent Date of Birth _______________________________

Place of Birth _______________________________________

Education Level _____________________________________

Usual Occupation ____________________________________

Marital Status _______________________________________

Name of Spouse _____________________________________

Dependent(s) Name__________________________________

Sibling(s) Name _____________________________________

Military Form DD214_________________________________

Will? Probate? Estate? ________________________________

Making Funeral Arrangements

There are several funeral homes in the area that can be of assistance to you. It is possible that the deceased has wishes about how they want the funeral; these wishes may be expressed in their will. It is also possible that they may have a pre-paid funeral arrangement or funeral insurance.

If you would like your loved one transported to a funeral home out of the area, you may contact the funeral home of your choice and ask them to contact the Benton County Coroner’s office at 509-736-2720.  

About Death Certificates

Death certificates are signed by a physician or by the coroner. The funeral home then registers the death certificate with the Benton-Franklin County Health District. The original is filed with the Department of Vital Statistics in Olympia. Certified copies of the death certificate are usually necessary during the process of settling the estate and are obtained from the funeral home. Certified copies can also be obtained from the County Health Department, or the WA Department of Health as follows:

Investigations and What to Expect

During the process of a death investigation, many different steps may be taken in order to find answers. This may include asking questions about the decedent’s history and behavior, reviewing medical records, testing for toxicology, or performing an autopsy. If toxicology testing or an autopsy is performed, the next of kin is allowed access to the results upon request. However, receiving these results takes time; results for toxicology testing may take several weeks. Autopsy results may take several months to be completed by the pathologist and returned to our office. Medical records cannot be provided by the coroner’s office and can only be received from a doctor’s office or healthcare facility. If you have questions regarding the process of your loved one’s death investigation, please feel free to contact us.

Handling Property

At the event of a death, next of kin may be left with the task of disposing of personal property. There are many different organizations that gladly accept a wide variety of donations, including animal shelters, women’s and homeless shelters, food banks, local libraries, schools, and more. Prescription and over the counter medications can be dropped off at local police departments, excluding needles or injectables. You may also contact your doctor or pharmacy for more information on disposal of medications. Should the individual have a pet that needs to be cared for, you can contact Benton County Animal Control at 509-460-4923 for further information on resources available.

Biohazard Cleaning Services

Many times, death scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that may pose a serious health risk.  Special knowledge is required to safely handle biohazardous material; the companies that handle crime scene clean-up have the training to handle such scenes and all hazardous materials. There are many resources available to assist in these circumstances. The Benton County Coroner’s Office does not endorse any specific company but is happy to provide some resource options.  Additional options can be located online.

Other Helpful Resources

Depending on the situation, these are some other resources that may provide help and benefit to you. You may have financial assistance available.

Organ and Tissue Donation

The gift of organ and tissue donation can benefit as many as 60 people. Organ and tissue donation is a personal family choice for which there is no right or wrong decision. That said, organ and tissue donation is a time sensitive issue. If this is something you wish to do or have questions about, you may contact SightLife for more information at:

• 206-682-8500 (main)
• 800-847-5786 (toll free)
• info@sightlife.org

Landlord Information

Information regarding the tasks and duties of a landlord in the event of a tenant death are outlined in RCW 59.18.595.