Coroner
The Coroner’s office responds to calls twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to investigate and determine Cause and Manner of Death. Coroner Jeff Smith and his Deputy Coroners investigate cases of homicide, suicide, accidental, undetermined, and all natural deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or medically unattended.
The Coroner’s office is charged by Georgia Law to determine the Cause and Manner of Death by an extensive investigation which may include a post-mortem examination. This investigation is independent of the sheriff, police, and fire departments but is done in conjunction with those other entities.
Autopsies
A post-mortem examination (autopsy) is ordered by this office only when it is vital in the determination of Cause and Manner of Death. When ordered by this office, a charge for the autopsy is never incurred by the family.
Death Certificate
On completion of our Coroner’s investigation and post-mortem examination, the Coroner or his Deputy, upon delivery of a death certificate initiated by the Funeral Home, will complete said death certificate and return the certificate to the Funeral Director who is then responsible for having it certified. The death certificate is then made available to the family following the funeral or services.
After that initial period, copies may be purchased from the Greene County Probate Court by calling 706-453-3346. The Probate Court is located in the Greene County Courthouse at 113 N Main Street in Greensboro Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health also can provide death certificates.
Personal Items
If any personal items of the deceased are retained by the Coroner’s Office, you must possess and present a current photo identification card and proof that you are the next of kin or executor of the will to pick up such items. Any prescription medications collected during our investigation will be destroyed following the investigation and not returned to the family.
Staff Education
The Coroner’s Office is made up of well-trained, educated individuals who are dedicated to investigating the cause of deaths, completing death reports, and treating families with support and respect. Additionally, the Coroner’s Office partners with Law Enforcement agencies such as the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and the Child Abuse Protocol Committee in studying the facts surrounding deaths and their cause and manner.
Everyone in the Coroner’s Office regularly attends educational seminars to keep abreast of any new advances in death investigation as they are developed.
Primary Responsibilities
- Arrange for disposition of unclaimed bodies
- Investigate all deaths that occur in Greene County as required by law
- Prepare and plan for mass fatality incidents
- Systematically examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths in a geographical area
- Take possession of all unclaimed bodies in Greene County