The Medical Examiner’s Office is required by the laws of the State of Missouri to conduct an investigation of any sudden, suspicious, violent or unexpected death. If the  Medical Examiner accepts jurisdiction, and an autopsy or other evaluation is required, the deceased will be transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner at 6039 Helen Avenue in Berkeley. The forensic pathologist will determine the extent of the examination necessary to determine the cause of death.

The family should contact the funeral home of their choice. The funeral director will make the necessary arrangements to pick up the deceased from the Medical Examiner’s Office when released.

The funeral director will prepare a death certificate, which will then be signed by the medical examiner upon completion of the investigation. The funeral director will file the completed death certificate with the Bureau of Vital Statistics and order certified copies for you.

The Medical Examiner’s investigation and report are usually completed within four to six weeks; however, this timeframe varies, depending upon the depth of the investigation. Next-of-kin wishing to obtain a copy of the report may send a letter to our office at the address below, indicating relationship to the deceased and a phone number where they can be reached. Please include a check or money order in the amount of $20.00, payable to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office. A copy of the report will be mailed to you as soon as it is available.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our office at 314-522-3262, extension 6500.

St. Louis County
Office of the Medical Examiner
6039 Helen Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63134