Death Certificates are filed with the Sate Health Department. Should you require certified copies, they can be ordered through the funeral home or may be purchased from the State Health Department.

No.

Yes, the legal next of kin may obtain a copy by written request. This document and other Coroner records will be available after completion of the death investigation.

The next of kin may claim belongings in the custody of the Coroner. We will arrange to bring the belonging to you. We will call you and arrange a time to meet with you. You will need to provide a photo ID to claim any property.

As soon as possible, select and funeral home of your choice and inform the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Coroner's Office. Please notify us of your funeral home choice. Our office does not select funeral homes nor do we make arrangements. It will be necessary for the legal next of kin to provide the Coroner with authorization for release of your loved one, even if someone else is making arrangements. The next of kin should contact the Coroner's Office to authorize the release.

Generally, release will be made as soon as possible. The Coroner's Office will call you to inform you of the time.

South Carolina has a law that provides an opportunity for the next of kin to donate organs and tissues. Donation can dramatically improve, even save, lives of others. We are glad to assist you by contacting the appropriate agency for you so they can explain to you the options and benefits of donating. If you prefer, you may call the American Red Cross at 1-800-922-5986. If the American Rec Cross should call you, the Coroner's Office has already given your name and number to them.

The Coroner authorizes an autopsy when one is needed to establish the cause and manner of death. Usually an autopsy is not needed when the death is clearly from "natural causes." Should an autopsy be necessary, the Coroner will certify a death certificate soon after the examinations complete. Occasionally, extensive testing is required in which an interim death certificate will be signed by the Coroner. A final death certificate will be signed following the completion of special testing.

No. In a majority of the cases, visual identification is not necessary to positively identify your loved ones.

We will either use Kershaw County EMS or a contracted service which is highly professional and experienced i the field of securely transporting the deceased. Transportation is done under the direct supervision of the Coroner's Office.

He or she may e taken to the Kershaw County Coroner's Office. Kershaw County Coroner's Office has facilities to receive and safeguard the deceased at this location.

State Law requires the Coroner to inquire into and determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all unexplained, violent or unusual deaths. Certain natural deaths mus be investigated as well.