OUR ROLE
Serving as the County Coroner
The Sheriff’s Office serves as the County Coroner and is legally required to investigate deaths in Imperial County. This process includes confirming the identity of the deceased and determining when, where, and how the death occurred.
Investigations may include:
- Speaking with family members or witnesses
- Reviewing medical history
- Collecting evidence from the scene
- Securing personal belongings
NEXT STEPS
What to Do When a Death Occurs
After a loved one’s death, the next steps are typically:
- Select a funeral home as soon as possible
- Inform them the case is with the Coroner
- The funeral home will coordinate the release
You may choose a funeral home in any city or county. All licensed funeral homes offer both burial and cremation services. The Coroner does not choose funeral homes or make arrangements. Only the legal next of kin can authorize release, typically through the chosen funeral home.
FUNERAL HOMES
Local Options
For your convenience, a list of local funeral homes is provided below.
- Hems Mortuary (El Centro) — 1975 S. 4th St. · (760) 352-5661
- Gardens of Eden (El Centro) — 384 Main St. · (760) 996-4893
- Hems Mortuary (Calexico) — 1820 Imperial Ave. · (760) 357-3757
- Fryes Chapel (Imperial) — 338 W. Aten Rd. · (760) 797-1414
- Fryes Chapel (Brawley) — 799 S. Brawley · (760) 344-1414
FOR FAMILIES
What You Need to Know
Who is Authorized to Confirm a Death? Only trained professionals — Fire Department personnel, law enforcement officers, EMS, or hospice staff — confirm a death and begin official procedures.
Where is my loved one taken? Your loved one is transported to the Coroner’s Office, a secure facility where they are cared for until release to a funeral home.
Viewing your loved one. Viewings are arranged through a funeral home only, which provides a private and appropriate setting.
Case updates. Have the case number ready when contacting our office.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Releasing Belongings to Family
Only the legal next of kin can authorize release of personal property. Personal property is released by appointment.
- Firearms require additional processing before release
- IDs, passports, and credit cards are returned to issuing agencies
- Clothing is not released (biohazard concerns)
DEATH CERTIFICATES
Where to Obtain Copies
The Coroner does not issue death certificates. Copies can be obtained through:
- Your selected funeral home
- Imperial County Public Health Department — (442) 265-1440
AUTOPSIES & REPORTS
When They Are Performed
Autopsies are not always performed and are only conducted when needed to determine the cause of death. If the death appears natural and a doctor was involved, an autopsy may not be required.
Requesting Reports: Contact the Coroner’s Office with the case number. Fees for coroner reports are as follows:
- Investigative report: $40.00
- Autopsy report: $25.00
- Additional reports (toxicology): $25.00
- In most circumstances, all standard reports total $90.00
Reports are released once the case is officially closed.
WHY THE CORONER IS INVOLVED
Deaths We Must Investigate
By law, the Coroner must investigate deaths that are:
- Sudden or unexpected
- Violent or accidental
- Unusual or unexplained
- Not recently attended by a doctor (within 20 days)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Support Available to Families
Organ & Tissue Donation. Donation may be possible with the family’s consent, medical eligibility, and Coroner approval. Life Sharing Network: (619) 543-7225.
Support for those who cannot afford burial. You may qualify for county disposition services. Contact the Public Administrator’s Office at (442) 265-7007.
When a loved one is terminally ill, please have available: hospice agency information, doctor’s contact, DNR order (if applicable), and preferred funeral home.