Are all deaths reported to the Coroner?
No. In Westmoreland County the following deaths are not reportable:
Decedents who are in-patients of a hospital for at least (24) hours following admission and die as the result of ONLY natural causes.
Decedent's who die of ONLY natural causes as a resident of a skilled nursing facility.

The following deaths ARE reportable to the Coroner in Westmoreland County:
Sudden deaths not caused by readily recognizable disease, or wherein a physician on the basis of prior medical attendance cannot properly certify the cause of death.
Deaths occurring under suspicious circumstances including those where alcohol, drugs, or other toxic substances may have a direct bearing on the death.
Deaths occurring as a result of violence or trauma, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal, or accidental.
Any death in which trauma, falls or fractures, chemical injury, asphyxia, exposure, fire, drug overdose, or reaction to drugs or medical treatment was a PRIMARY or SECONDARY, DIRECT or INDIRECT, CONTRIBUTORY, AGGRAVATING, or PRECIPITATING cause of death.
Operative and peri-operative death in which the death is not readily explainable on the basis of prior disease.
Any death wherein the body is unidentified or unclaimed.
Deaths known or suspected as due to contagious disease and constituting a public health hazard.
Deaths occurring in a prison, penal institution, or in the custody of police.
Deaths of persons whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea or otherwise disposed of, so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination.
Any sudden infant death.
Stillbirth.
All residence (including hospice), personal care home, and emergency room deaths.

Show All Answers

1. Who is the Coroner?
2. What are the duties of the Coroner?
3. Where is the jurisdiction of the Coroner?
4. Who notifies the Coroner's Office of a death?
5. Are all deaths reported to the Coroner?
6. Are all Coroner records available to the public?
7. How do I obtain a Coroner's Report? Autopsy Report? Toxicology Report?
8. What is the cost for reports?
9. How do I obtain a copy of the death certificate?
10. Who can retrieve the personal effects recovered from a decedent?
11. Do I need to identify or can I view my loved one at the Coroner's Office?