Pathology and Morgue
Pathology Department
Forensic Pathology is the study of how injury and/or disease affect a person, resulting in death. An autopsy is a detailed medical examination of the body performed by a Forensic Pathologist to determine the presence, nature, and extent of any disease or injury and to ascertain the cause and manner of death.
At the Crawford County Coroners Office, there are two Forensic Pathologists who analyze the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether an autopsy is indicated. An external examination is performed for cases where an autopsy is not indicated. An autopsy consists of the gross external and internal examination of a body with documentation of injuries and natural disease. Additional studies such as microscopic examination, immunohistochemistry, special tissue staining, toxicology, bacterial and viral cultures, molecular testing, sexual assault examinations, and analyses for inborn errors of metabolism are utilized as needed.
Investigations of deaths in childhood help to confirm or allay any suspicions of abuse in cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID). If the manner of death is certified as a homicide, the Forensic Pathologist may be asked to provide unbiased expert testimony utilizing the autopsy findings at court and administrative hearings. Regardless of the manner of death, the Forensic Pathologist may be required to give expert testimony in civil trials and proceedings as to the specific cause of death; for example, auto accidents or work-related accidents. Not all autopsies reveal the cause of death even after thorough medical analysis and investigations are concluded. These cases are certified "undetermined" and can occur for a variety of reasons. Some causes of natural deaths, such as abnormal heartbeat, do not leave anatomical clues and may be difficult or impossible to document after death.
The Forensic Pathologists participate in meetings where they present specific case findings during the Drug Overdose Fatality Review, Child Fatality Review, and SUID Review. These reviews occur quarterly to monthly and help to look for patterns that may be used to decrease mortality in our community.
Morgue Department
The Morgue Department is responsible for assisting the Forensic Pathologists in postmortem examinations, forensic processing, evidence collection, postmortem radiology, receiving and releasing of decedents, and facilitating communication between law enforcement, funeral directors, and families. The postmortem examination is of vital importance in helping the pathologists determine cause and manner of death. Careful examination of the decedent is performed, and samples for toxicological and microscopic analysis are obtained.
The morgue staff transfers descendants, evidence, valuables, and histology specimens as needed, prepares autopsies, and participates in them. They also interact with funeral home staff and law enforcement personnel. Morgue staff is chiefly responsible for the daily operation of the morgue, including inventory control, decedent movement and security, and ensuring the morgue meets all safety standards.
