We at the Racine County Medical Examiner's Office extend our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. We hope this information will assist you by providing answers to commonly asked questions.

Q. Why is the Racine County Medical Examiner's Office involved?

A. Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 979.01, the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office is required to investigate deaths that fall under the following categories:

• All deaths that are unexplained, unusual, or suspicious circumstances
• All homicides
• All suicides
• All deaths following an abortion
• All deaths due to poisoning (toxicity), whether homicidal, suicidal, or accidental in nature
• All deaths following accidents, whether the injury is or is not the primary cause of death
• When there was no physician, or accredited practitioner of a bona fide religious denomination relying upon prayer or spiritual means for healing, in attendance within 30 days preceding death
• When a physician refuses to sign the death certificate
• When, after reasonable efforts, a physician cannot be obtained to sign the medical certification, as required under s. 69.18(2)(b) or (C), within 6 days after the pronouncement of death, or sooner under circumstances which the Coroner or Medical Examiner determines to be an emergency

Q. Where can I obtain a death certificate?

A. Death certificates are generated and filed with the County Register of Deeds Office by a funeral director. Should you require death certificates, they can be ordered through the funeral home or County Register of Deeds Office.

Racine County Register of Deeds Office

262-636-3208

730 Wisconsin Ave | Racine, 53403

Q. Will an autopsy be conducted?

A. An autopsy will be requested after an investigation by the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that an individual died in a suspicious, unusual, or unnatural way. This includes, but is not limited to,

• Homicide
• Suicide
• Accident

 Autopsies will be performed by forensic pathologist to help determine cause and manner of death. Autopsy reports may be obtained with the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office once a final cause and manner has been determined.

Q. Are there costs to families for an autopsy?

A. While there is no fee to family/friends for an autopsy, the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office does accrue other fees when applicable. Transportation fees, cremation authorization permits, and certifying death certificates are charges from the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office that family/friends will be responsible for. The Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office 2024 fee schedule is as follows:

• Transportation $253
• Cremation Authorization Permit $253
• Certifying Death Certificate $95
• Disinterment Permit $95
• Body Storage $60/day
• Body Bags $15

Q. When will a funeral home become involved?

A. As soon as possible, select a funeral home to handle final arrangements/disposition for your family/friend. The Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office will not select funeral homes or make funeral arrangements. Funeral arrangements are the responsibility of family/friends. You may ask the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office staff for a list of Racine County funeral homes if necessary.

We hope the advice and information provided by your funeral director/home and the information provided by the Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office will help during a time of loss.

Please feel free to contact our office for any additional assistance. Should you need additional assistance, please call our office at 262-636-3303 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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