You can print a copy of the Request for Autopsy Report online:  (Parent/Spouse) (Next of Kin) or call/email the office to have a copy mailed to you.  Once we have received your request, a copy of the report will be mailed to you when it is completed (approximately 10 or more weeks)

Under New York statutory law, autopsy reports are specifically exempted from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law.  Autopsy reports will only be released to anyone who falls under Putnam County Guidelines.

A “Pending” death certificate is issued if further study is needed.  This allows the Funeral Home to claim the decedent for burial/cremation.  This may not satisfy the requirements of insurance companies.  Once all labs and cultures are completed, the autopsy report will be finalized and corrections to the death certificate will be completed.

When the Medical Examiner Report is finalized, any amendments to death certificates stating “Pending Further Investigation” will be made.  This can take an additional two weeks.  Copies of Amended Certificates can be obtained ONLY from the Town Clerk where the place of death occurred.

Any inquiries regarding release of the decedent is handled by the Funeral Home.

Funeral Homes can contact (845) 279-5711 x3113 for information on release.  If the decedent is being sent out of the country, you will need to contact the Department of Health for a letter of non-communicable diseases. (845) 808-1390

All personal belongings are sent to the Funeral Home with the decedent unless it is a homicide, then they would be sent to the investigator on the case.