After a Death at Home: The Coroner Process in the Columbia Midlands
When a death occurs at home — especially one that was unexpected or not witnessed — a county coroner becomes involved. If you have just been through this, the process can feel confusing on top of the grief. This guide explains, in plain terms, what generally happens in the Columbia Midlands.
This is general information about the typical process. Your county coroner’s office is the authority on your specific case.
Which coroner’s office is involved
In South Carolina, each county has an elected coroner. In the Midlands, a death is handled by the coroner of the county where it occurred — the Richland County Coroner’s Office for Columbia, Forest Acres, Blythewood, and Northeast Columbia; the Lexington County Coroner’s Office for West Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, and Chapin; and the Kershaw County Coroner’s Office for Camden and Lugoff.
When a death is reported, law enforcement and the coroner are typically notified, and the coroner’s office takes responsibility for the deceased.
What the coroner does
The coroner’s role is to confirm and certify the death, determine the cause and manner of death, and notify the next of kin if that has not already happened. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve an examination or, in some cases, an autopsy.
The coroner also handles the official paperwork that leads to the death certificate. The funeral home you choose will generally coordinate with the coroner’s office on the transfer of your loved one.
When the property is released
Once the coroner — and law enforcement, if they were involved — have completed their work at the scene, the property is released back to the family or owner. Only after the property is released can biohazard cleanup begin.
In many straightforward cases the property is released fairly quickly. If a death is being investigated, it can take longer. The coroner’s office can tell you the status for your situation.
After the property is released
When the property is released, the family is responsible for any cleanup that is needed. After an unattended death this means biohazard remediation — and it is not work the family should do themselves.
You do not need to wait until the cleanup is figured out to make the call. A response coordinator can take your information, explain the timing around the coroner’s release, and have a certified crew ready to begin as soon as the property is cleared.
This guide is general information and not legal, medical, or insurance advice. For your specific situation, speak with the relevant authority or professional.