Records regarding a death investigated by our office are available through our Report Request Center. Information in the record includes the investigative report, toxicology and postmortem examination reports. The investigative report is generated by the Medical Examiner Investigator (MEI) assigned to investigate the scene and provides the Medical Examiner or Deputy Medical Examiner with details of the individual's death. This report aids in determining whether the individual needs to be transported to our office for further examination. A postmortem report is completed in cases where the Medical Examiner or Deputy Medical Examiner performs a postmortem examination. The postmortem report, or autopsy report if an autopsy was performed, may take up to 90 days to complete, although most are completed within 60 days. In rare cases, the final report may take more than 90 days.
The report describes the findings of the Medical Examiner/Deputy Medical Examiner, including disease processes and any injuries found. A request for an autopsy report generally includes the report of the postmortem examination, toxicology report and reports of any other studies or examinations by consultants. If the investigative report is needed, this should be requested separately.
You may request medical examiner records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. To request reports, please visit the Report Request Center to submit this request electronically. If you are unable to submit your request online, please mail a written request to our general mailing address:
Office of the Medical Examiner
[INSERT THE COUNTY WHERE THE DEATH OCCURRED]
1000 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
If you are in need of a report for a county for whom we serve as a consultant, which is any county other than Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Leelanau, Mason, Muskegon, Osceola, St. Joseph (Michigan), and Van Buren, you need to contact the Medical Examiner or Coroner of that county. We are only able to provide reports for those counties we serve as the Medical Examiner.
A life insurance company may accept a death certificate as proof of death, however, when a postmortem examination is conducted, the insurance company may request a copy of the report. You may refer the insurance company to our office if that is the case. Most insurance companies are aware the autopsy report may take up to 60 days to complete.