Morgue

Morgue: (336) 318-6922

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.  We understand this is a very difficult time for you.  We will take care of your loved one with continued respect and dignity while in our care.  Below you will find information to help you through this process. 

Transportation

Decedents are transported to the county morgue for different reasons, which include, but is not limited to, those who passed away due to or the suspicion of homicide, suicide, overdose or trauma; or they did not have a primary care physician; or they were not under the care of Hospice. For one or more of these reasons, it falls under the jurisdiction of the local Medical Examiner.   

Visitation of your loved one at the county or state morgue is strictly prohibited.

Autopsy

Depending on the circumstance(s) of death, an autopsy may not be required. If the local Medical Examiner and/or Pathologist determine that an autopsy is required, it will be conducted at the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh. If an autopsy is conducted, your loved one will be transported to Raleigh, then back to the local morgue, or directly to a funeral home or cremation service of your choice - if a decision has been made in time. An autopsy generally takes 24-72 hours. The final autopsy report typically takes three to six months to complete. It should be obtained through the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh. You can contact the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at 1-800-672-7024 or visit their website. 

Funeral or Cremation Arrangements

It is the legal next-of-kin or power of attorney’s responsibility to contact a funeral service and to begin making arrangements. It is also essential for you to let us know as soon as a funeral or cremation service has been chosen by calling 336-318-6922.  A  final decision and arrangements for the funeral/cremation service must be made within 72 hours of the death.   

Once a funeral home or cremation service has been confirmed, we will contact that service to make arrangements for them to pick up the decedent. 

Death Certificate

If an autopsy was not conducted, then the death certificate will list a specific cause of death and can be obtained from the funeral or cremation service.  If an autopsy was conducted, the death certificate will be temporary - with the cause of death listed as “pending.”  The funeral director should be able to explain everything you need to know about the death certificate and the next steps you will need to take.

Personal Property

When arriving at the local morgue, personal property on or about the decedent will be kept secure. The legal next-of-kin or power of attorney will be contacted to make arrangements to pick up the personal property, or it may be sent with the funeral service. 

Questions

If you have any questions, would like to speak to the local Medical Examiner, or once you have chosen a funeral or cremation service, please contact us at (336) 318-6922 to leave your name, the name of the decedent, and your telephone number.  The on-duty supervisor will return your call as soon as possible. 

Important Note 

If your loved one passed away at a  hospital,  then the decedent will be located in the hospital morgue and you should contact the hospital to make the necessary inquiries and arrangements.

Funeral and Cremation Services

Find contact information of Funeral and Cremation Services (PDF) regularly serving Randolph County.