The legal next of kin may claim personal belongings in the custody of the Coroner. You will be provided a contact number for the coroner assisting you if the personal belongings cannot be released immediately. Other belongings or personal property secured by law enforcement officers can be claimed by the legal next of kin if that property is not required to be held pending a criminal investigation or court proceedings. Contact that law enforcement agency for release procedures.
The legal next of kin is determined by the Scene Deputy Coroner after an investigation.
Certified copies of death certificates can be ordered by your funeral home on your behalf or you can obtain them directly from the DHEC – Vital Records Division, 2600 Bull Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 898-3630.
A copy of the autopsy report can be requested by the next of kin by written request when the Coroner has made her final ruling and all results are received.
According to SC State Law, the Coroner is required to inquire and determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all unexpected, violent, or unusual deaths. The Coroner will also investigate natural deaths when necessary.
You will be kept informed of the status of your loved one as the Coroner completes her investigation. You should select a funeral home or mortuary to receive your loved one upon release from our office. The next of kin will need to contact the Coroner’s Office if we have their home/mortuary of your choice. We must receive authorization from the legal next of kin. If you need assistance, our office can provide a list of funeral homes, mortuaries, green burial facilities, and crematories.
If the decedent’s estate does not have funds, you should contact local funeral or mortuary services for options that may be available.
Persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for Veteran assistance.
For more information, contact the South Carolina Department of Veteran’s Affairs at (803) 734-0200.
In most cases, he or she will be taken to PRISMA Health Hospital for an autopsy. If your loved one will not have an autopsy, the family’s choice of funeral home/Mortuary selected to perform their final resting place will be contacted to pick up the remains. This is done in collaboration with the legal next of kin and the Richland County Coroner’s Office. Richland County has a contract with a company that is highly professional and experienced to securely transport the deceased.
Transportation is done under the supervision of the Coroner’s Office.
Office Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Call 24 hours: (803) 576-1799
You may also contact the Deputy Coroner assigned to your case.
