When someone dies, there are several professionals you may need to speak to at an already overwhelming time. GPs, registrars, and, in some situations, a coroner may all play a part. If your loved one’s death is referred to the coroner, it can raise understandable questions about what happens next and how it may affect the funeral.
In this article, we’ll explain when a death is referred to the coroner, what a coroner does, and what their investigations mean for any funeral plans you’re making.
What is a coroner?
A coroner is an independent judicial officer appointed by the local authority to investigate certain types of deaths. Their role is to determine how, when and where someone has died, working with evidence from medical professionals, witnesses and specialist reports.
Most coroners are lawyers with specific training in coronial law, while some also have medical qualifications. Although they are appointed by local councils, they work independently and make decisions based solely on the facts of each case.
Why a death might be referred to the coroner
A coroner becomes involved when a death is sudden, unexpected, unexplained, or occurs under circumstances that need further investigation. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a death must be reported to the coroner if:
- The person had not been seen by a doctor during their final illness
- The doctor had not treated the person for the condition that caused their death within the last 28 days
- The death was sudden, violent or unnatural – including accidents, suicide or suspected homicide
- The person is believed to have died from an industrial disease such as asbestosis
- The circumstances suggest the cause of death is unknown or suspicious
In hospitals, doctors must refer the death if negligence or misadventure is suspected, or if there was no provisional diagnosis before the person died. The police also notify the coroner when someone is found dead, and the cause is not immediately clear.
A death cannot be registered until the coroner confirms the cause.
What does a coroner do?
A coroner’s first responsibility is to establish the medical cause of death. They begin by gathering relevant information, including statements from anyone who was with the person when they died, medical notes, and initial observations from the police.
If the cause of death can be confirmed by a doctor, the coroner will issue a certificate to allow the death to be registered. The body will then be released so you can continue with the funeral arrangements.
If the cause of death remains unclear, the coroner may order a post-mortem examination.
Post-mortem examinations
A post-mortem is carried out by a pathologist – a doctor trained to identify medical causes of death. Before the examination takes place, a family member will usually be asked to formally identify the body, either at the place of death or at the mortuary.
Families are normally informed when a post-mortem is required, although consent is not needed. You can, however, arrange for a doctor of your choice to be present if you wish.
During the examination, the pathologist checks the body inside and out. Organs may be removed temporarily for detailed examination and then returned afterwards. Small tissue samples may be kept for further analysis in line with the Human Tissue Act 2004.
The coroner receives initial findings very quickly, but full results may take longer if additional tests are needed. Once completed, the coroner sends the final report to the deceased’s GP and uses the findings to decide whether an inquest is necessary.
Coroner’s inquests
An inquest is a public hearing that examines the circumstances surrounding a death. Its purpose is not to assign blame or decide criminal or civil liability, but to answer four key questions:
- Who the deceased was
- When and where they died
- The medical cause of death
- How they came by their death
Depending on the evidence, the coroner will reach a conclusion. Common examples include:
- Natural causes
- Misadventure
- Accidental death
- Suicide
- Lawful or unlawful killing
- Occupational disease
- Drug-related death
- Stillbirth
- Self-neglect
- Lack of care
- An open or narrative conclusion
Can a funeral take place before an inquest?
Yes. A coroner can release the body for the funeral once all essential examinations and evidence have been completed. They will then formally open the inquest and postpone the full hearing until all remaining information has been gathered. This can sometimes take several months.
While the inquest is ongoing, the coroner’s office will keep you updated at least every three months, but you can also contact them if you need further information or reassurance.
What you can do while waiting for the inquest
Even if the inquest is not yet complete, many practical steps can still be taken. The coroner can issue a Certificate of the Fact of Death (sometimes called an interim certificate), which you can use to notify organisations, begin estate administration and apply for probate.
This document is widely accepted by banks, insurers and other institutions while you wait for the final death certificate.
Proceeding with arrangements
Once the coroner has finished their investigations, they will pass the necessary details to the registrar so the death can be officially registered. After this, the body will be released for the funeral.
Although the process can feel daunting, understanding what the coroner does – and why they do it – can bring a little clarity at a time when so much feels uncertain. If you’re beginning to plan after a loss, you may find it helpful to read more about what to do when someone dies and the next steps to take in our free guide.
