Medical Examiner

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The Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) empowers Denver’s communities to live better, longer by conducting independent investigations using advanced forensic science in the service of families, communities and the criminal justice system. OME provides answers to those affected by sudden and traumatic loss and protects public health by contributing to education and research. OME is committed to increasing the public’s understanding of the forensic sciences and encouraging and training the next generation of leaders in the field.

 

About Us

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner investigates deaths in the City and County of Denver that are required to be reported by the Colorado statute. The office is responsible for the subsequent certification of the cause and manner of death. It is involved with the investigation of over 2,000 deaths annually in the City and County of Denver.

Autopsy Report Request

Autopsies are performed at the discretion of the Medical Examiner. if an autopsy is performed, it can take up to 18 weeks to complete the report. You may request a copy of the report here.

Medical Examiner Data

View dashboards showing Medical Examiner data.

Family Advocacy Support Team (FAST)

The Family Advocacy Support Team (FAST) is a groundbreaking program in the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) that provides support services to people who have experienced an unexplained, violent, or suspicious death of a loved one, including those who died by suicide or overdose.

Reportable Deaths

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner/Coroner’s Office, as a guardian of the health, safety, and welfare of the community, constantly strives toward the goal of a safer and healthier community. The Medical Examiner/Coroner is a constitutional office pursuant to the Constitution of Colorado. Colorado Revised Statute, 30-10-606, defines which deaths are reportable to the Medical Examiner/Coroner

Unidentified Persons

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner has averaged around 1 unidentified person per year since 1980. All of the below cases remain open. They are organized according to the year they were found.

DNA Requests

During the course of examinations, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner collects blood samples to assist in determining cause and manner of death. These samples can be used for DNA - paternity testing if a court order is obtained. If you are in need of DNA -paternity testing, please follow the attached instructions.

Internship Programs

Currently, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner has an internship program established with the University of Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver, Regis University and Metropolitan State College Denver. The internship is a 12-month program.

Reports and Forms

Yearly statistical reports from the Medical Examiner and downloadable forms for Authorization of Release of Body to Funeral Home and Transfer of Authorization.

 

News and Updates

Denver OME Receives Rapid DNA Processing Grant

Published on May 23, 2022

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner (OME), a division of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), received a $386,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security to purchase an in-house rapid DNA processor which can expedite identifying victims of mass casualty events across nine Colorado counties.

Tagged as: , News, Press release, Public Health & Environment

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Contact Us

 

Office of the Medical Examiner
500 Quivas St.
Denver, CO 80204

Phone: 720-337-7600
Fax: 720-337-7609
medicalexaminers@denvergov.org

Family Advocacy Support Team
Grief Support and Resources

Phone: 720-337-7607
Email: FAST@denvergov.org

Additional Resources

  

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