Medical Examiner Department

Our Mission

To conduct a dignified medical and legal investigation into all deaths requiring a public inquiry to determine and record the cause and manner of death.

The Medical Examiner conducts medical and legal investigations of unattended, violent, unexpected or suspicious deaths and authorizes all cremations in Yuma County. The Medical Examiner Department is mandated by Arizona Law (ARS §11-593) which requires that certain deaths be reported to the Medical Examiner. Upon reporting of a death, a Medical Examiner Investigator will determine whether jurisdiction will be accepted. If jurisdiction is accepted, the Medical Examiner Investigator will respond to the location of death and take charge of the body (ARS §11-594) and transport the body to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The Investigator will provide detailed information to the Medical Examiner Pathologist who shall determine whether an external examination or autopsy is required to determine the manner and cause of death.

During 2024, a total of 1,355 deaths were reported to the Medical Examiner’s Department to determine the manner and cause of death. The Medical Examiner’s Office signed 523 Death Certificates, and provided for review and approval of 1,441 cremation requests.

The Medical Examiner’s Office works closely with all Federal, State, Tribal, County, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as OnVida Health, Hospice Facilities and Physicians within Yuma County. The Medical Examiner’s Office does not issue certified copies of the Death Certificates or perform family requests for private autopsies.