Death Investigation. Investigation of deaths that result from injury, external causes, or which are suspicious of foul play or sudden, unexpected, and unexplained. Investigations are authorized by the Georgia Death Investigation Act (GA Code 45-16-20) and the office investigates cases in which the events leading to death occurred in Fulton County, or in which a dead body is found in Fulton County.

Death Scene Investigation. Medical Examiner investigators respond to death scenes to document findings and obtain investigative information.

Certification of death. Medical Examiners complete the cause of death section of the death certificate for cases investigated by the office. The office does NOT provide copies of death certificates, which must be obtained from the funeral home or vital records department.

Autopsies and postmortem examinations. Medical Examiners perform autopsies or postmortem external examinations as needed to clarify the cause, manner, and circumstances of death for cases being investigated.

Records and Documents. The office provides copies of investigative and autopsy reports, proof of death forms, and other case documentation to persons legally entitled to obtain them.

Testimony. Medical Examiners and other staff appear in criminal or civil legal proceedings to provide expert opinion or testimony related to cases investigated.

Protection of public health. Deaths involving notifiable conditions are reported to the health department or other applicable agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Education and training. The office has an accredited training program for physician pathologists and has internships available for students interested in death investigation.

For more information, visit the Fulton County Medical Examiner Department Page.