Step 2: Coroner’s Case?

Don’t fret!

Note: For immediate advice and assistance, call us at our 24/7 hotline at 6455 9909. If you’re reading this, it means you have completed the first issue of our Funeral Starter Kit! In this issue, we will be exploring other scenarios that people face when handling funeral arrangements. In the event that the death was not due to natural causes, it will be considered a coroner’s case.

What is a Coroner’s case?

A coroner’s case happens in the event of unnatural death or when death occurs without a known cause. A Coroner’s inquiry is then conducted to find out the cause of death. Each coroner’s case will have a Police Investigating Officer (IO) assigned, the IO will interview the family members of the deceased and guide them on the necessary procedures. The police will arrange for the body to be sent to the Mortuary@HSA (located at Block 9 Singapore General Hospital). The police investigation officer (IO) will inform the family when to go to the Mortuary@HSA (Health Science Authority).

Things to take note:

Be Punctual

Bring along both the IC of the deceased and the informant

All relevant medical documents and medicines relating to the deceased

At the Mortuary@HSA, the police IO will arrange for the family to view and identify the deceased’s body in the presence of the Coroner. The Coroner will review the case and determine if an autopsy is required. The family will then be informed of the Coroner’s decision and the time to claim the body for the funeral. After submitting the required documents, the family can claim the deceased’s body and proceed to download the digital death certificate online.

What is an Autopsy?

An autopsy is a post-mortem examination conducted by a pathologist to discover the cause of death of the deceased. It may include the evaluation of any medical issues or injuries present on the deceased’s body.

What happens after the autopsy?

If the autopsy reveals unnatural causes in the death, it will be referred to the police to conduct further investigations of the cause of death. Family members of the deceased are encouraged to cooperate and assist the police in their investigations. Once all investigations have been concluded, the family of the deceased will be informed to attend a Coroner’s inquiry at the State Courts. After which, you will be able to claim the body. However, during this time, HSA may facilitate arrangements for you to view the body following the completion of the autopsy.

How much does an autopsy cost?

No fees are charged for a coroner’s inquiry. If you require a copy of the autopsy, there is an administrative fee of $160.50 (inclusive of GST) for each certified true copy.

How can Casket Fairprice help me?

Our team at Casket Fairprice will advise and guide you through the process from Mortuary@HSA to retrieving the body for burial or cremation. We will work according to the instructions given by the IO to the family and will be there to assist with the retrieval of the body once the IO gives the green light. We will also assist you in planning and executing the funeral ceremony while you focus on spending important moments with loved ones during this difficult time.

Not a Coroner’s case?

If the death is not a coroner’s case, the family of the departed may go ahead to confirm the death with a doctor and engage a funeral service company to assist with funeral arrangements. Find out more about what to do when a death occurs in our next issue.