Suicide
Will there be an autopsy after a suicide?
Short answer
In California, a coroner's investigation is required for any death that is sudden, violent, or where the cause is unknown. An autopsy is likely but not guaranteed — the coroner makes that determination. You can ask the coroner's office what their process…
What this usually means
In California, a coroner's investigation is required for any death that is sudden, violent, or where the cause is unknown. An autopsy is likely but not guaranteed — the coroner makes that determination. You can ask the coroner's office what their process will be.
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.