Special circumstances
What happens when someone dies in jail or prison?
Short answer
The facility must notify next of kin. The body typically goes to the county coroner for investigation. You have the right to request the coroner's report and a copy of any investigation. You may choose your own funeral home for disposition after…
What this usually means
The facility must notify next of kin. The body typically goes to the county coroner for investigation. You have the right to request the coroner's report and a copy of any investigation. You may choose your own funeral home for disposition after the coroner releases the body.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.