A message from the Coroner

On behalf of the Bannock County Coroner’s Office, we offer our most sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your loved one. It is our hope that this guide will assist you during the grieving process and help answer questions about the role of the Coroner’s Office.

How can I get more information?

Visit the Bannock County Coroner’s Website

Or call 208-236-7377

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Coroner's Office do?

Idaho Code mandates the Coroner’s Office to investigate any death resulting from violence or occurring under suspicious or unknown circumstances. This includes deaths that are not attended by a physician. See Idaho Code 19-4301 for more information.

What happens during a Coroner’s investigation?

The Coroner’s office will conduct a death investigation while working with law enforcement to photograph the scene, interview witnesses, gather information, and collect medication to determine the cause and manner of death.

How do I request a copy of the Coroner’s Report?

A Coroner’s Report can be requested through the Bannock County Public Records Request Form. Download the form, complete it, and email it to recordsrequest@bannockcounty.gov or take it to the Bannock County Courthouse, Clerk’s Office, Room 211.

Who is the legal next of kin?

Any individual who is deemed the executor of the estate in a properly implemented will is authorized to provide direction. If no will is completed, Idaho code provides the hierarchy for the estate under Idaho 15-3-203.

I have a Power of Attorney, why can’t I make decisions? Power of Attorney is revoked upon death, which then allows for the executor or legal next of kin to proceed with making decisions. Please seek legal counsel for further explanation.

How is the funeral home chosen?

Whenever possible, we attempt to contact the legal next of kin and allow them to choose a funeral home. The funeral home must be located in Idaho. If the next of kin cannot be reached in a timely manner or the next of kin has no preference we will use a rotating list of the following funeral homes.

Manning-Wheatley Funeral Home 208-232-7199

Cornelison Funeral Home 208-232-0542

Wilks/Colonial Funeral Home 208-238-8000

Horsley Funeral Home 208-766-4330

What happens to property?

Property found on the decedent will be collected by the Coroner’s Office and can be released to the legal next of kin or their designee. If no one is on scene to collect the property, it will be secured at the Coroner’s Office until someone is available. Property not found on the body may be collected by law enforcement at their discretion.

How is the need for an autopsy decided?

The need for an autopsy is based on the merits of the investigation. Homicides, child deaths, and drug-related deaths are almost always taken for autopsy. Other factors that are considered are the circumstances that are suspicious, age of the decedent, and medical history. The need for an autopsy can only be authorized by the Coroner or Prosecuting Attorney. See Idaho Code 19-4301B.

Can I get a Private Autopsy?

A legal next of kin may order a private autopsy at their own expense.

1-800-Autopsy (800-288-6779)

National Association of Medical Examiners

What if I don’t want an autopsy or have religious requirements regarding autopsies?

There may be reasons for not wanting an autopsy. We will strive to be considerate of all personal and religious beliefs, while still doing what is necessary based on the investigation’s merits. Please notify the Coroner’s office with any concerns.

How is cause and manner determined?

Cause and manner are based on the on-scene evidence, presentation of the decedent, documented medical history, toxicology or a forensic autopsy may be performed.

How long will it take to get the results of the investigation?

Doing a thorough investigation requires some time. If just a review of medical records is needed, the investigation takes about a week. If toxicology is performed, the process may take up to 4 weeks. If an autopsy is performed, the time can be extended to 6 months or longer.

How do I find out the results of the investigation or autopsy?

Typically, when cause and manner are determined, the Coroner’s Office will reach out and share the findings with the legal next of kin. The policy is to only share case information with the legal next of kin, and they can share to whom they see fit. A Coroner’s report is available through the public records request.

How do I get a Death Certificate?

A death certificate can be obtained through the funeral home or through the State of Idaho Vital Records. Idaho law does regulate who is able to receive the death certificate. In cases of lengthy investigations, a pending death certificate may be issued.

Idaho Vital Records, Phone: 208-334-5980

What grief resources are available?

Having support during a time of grief may help. There are many support groups available on social media, churches, community action agencies, hospice agencies, clinics, and hospitals. Professional help may also be sought at any of the region’s counseling centers.

SE Idaho Public Health, Phone: 208-233-9080

Community Suicide Prevention, Phone: 208-241-8496

https://Griefrecoverymethod.com

https://griefshare.org

What victim resources are available?

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Abuse, please reach out to any of these Victim Advocates Groups:

Family Services Alliance, Phone: 208-232-0742

6^th Judicial CASA Program, Phone: 208-232-2272

Bright Tomorrows, Phone: 208-234-2646

Bannock Youth Foundation, Phone: 208-234-1122

What Resources are there for scene cleanup?

Many of the restoration companies may assist with scene clean up provided they have the ability for biological services. Below are some local options available in no specific order:

Bio One, Phone: 208-881-2321

Servpro, Phone: 208-242-3819

Valor Technical Cleaning, Phone: 208-747-0633