Coroner's Office

General Information

The Coroner's office is a twenty-four hour a day, seven-day a week operation which investigates and determines Cause and Manner of Death. The Lowndes County Coroner and his staff investigate cases of homicide, suicide, accident and all natural deaths that are sudden, unexpected or medically unattended. The Coroner's office is charged by Georgia Law to determine the Cause and Manner of Death by an extensive investigation which may include a post-mortem examination. This investigation is independent of the sheriff, police and/or other law enforcement but is done in conjunction with those other entities.

A post-mortem examination (autopsy) is performed only when it is vital in the determination of Cause and Manner of Death. When an autopsy is ordered, a charge for the autopsy is never incurred by the family. Autopsies are only performed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist with the GBI Medical Examiners office. The Coroners Office arranges transport to and from autopsy, also at no cost to the family.

HOW TO REQUEST A DEATH CERTIFICATE

On completion of our Coroner's investigation and post-mortem examination, the Coroner or his Deputy, upon delivery of a death certificate initiated by the Funeral Home, will complete said death certificate and return the certificate to the Funeral Director who will then file it with the state Vital Record department. The death certificate is then made available to the family following the funeral or services. After that initial period, copies may be purchased from the Lowndes County Vital Records office located in the Lowndes County Health Department. The Coroners office does not provide copies of Death Certificates.

HOW TO REQUEST COPIES OF A CORONER REPORT OR INVESTIGATION FINDINGS?

All record request should be emailed to Austin Fiveash. Each request will be processed according to what information or documents are requested. If the family desires a copy of the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) Medical Examiner's autopsy report, you must contact the Department of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation in Decatur, Georgia

HOW DO I RECEIVE PERSONAL ITEMS RETAINED BY THE CORONERS OFFICE?

If any personal items of the deceased are retained by the Coroner's Office, you must possess and present a current photo identification card to pick up such items. Items will be release at the close of the investigation. Any prescription medications collected during our investigation will be destroyed following the investigation and not returned to the family. Any items retained by law enforcement will be released by the holding agency in accordance with their policy.

Contact Coroner on Call 24 hours at 229-375-6597

To report a death contact the Lowndes County 911 communications center by dialing 911 or 229-245-5270.