How to Contact the Gooding County Coroner’s Office

Office Phone: 208-732-4543

This phone is not continuously monitored.

Please leave a detailed message including:

 Your full name

Your phone number

The name of the decedent

Your relationship to the decedent

Voicemail messages are transmitted directly to the on-call Coroner’s Deputy. A return call will be made as soon as possible.

Why the Coroner’s Office Is Involved

Under Idaho Code § 19-4301, the county coroner is required to investigate certain types of deaths, including:

Sudden or unexpected deaths

Deaths without a physician able to certify the cause

Accidental deaths

Suicides

Homicides

Deaths occurring outside of medical supervision

Deaths that may pose a public health concern

The Coroner’s Office determines Cause of Death (the medical reason a person died) and Manner of Death (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined).

What Happens After Identification Is Confirmed

1. Legal Next of Kin Notification

If not already completed, the legal next of kin will be formally notified.

2. Investigation Review

The Coroner evaluates scene findings, medical history, available records, and statements. Depending on circumstances, toxicology testing, additional review, examination, or autopsy may be ordered when necessary under Idaho law.

3. Release to Funeral Home

After legal requirements are satisfied and the examination is complete, the decedent is released to the funeral home selected by the family.

Families are encouraged to contact a funeral home as soon as possible to begin arrangements. Early communication allows necessary authorizations, transportation coordination, and documentation to proceed without unnecessary delay.

Prompt selection of a funeral home helps ensure a smooth transition from the investigative process to memorial planning and provides clarity during a difficult time.

4. Death Certificate Completion

The Coroner completes and certifies the medical portion of the death certificate.

Certified copies must be obtained through the funeral home or the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records.

The Coroner’s Office cannot order copies of the death certificate for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Coroner involved if my loved one was under a doctor’s care?

If the death occurred outside of direct medical supervision, or if the attending physician cannot legally certify the death, Idaho law requires the Coroner to investigate.

Does every case require an autopsy?

No. Autopsies are ordered only when necessary to determine cause and manner of death.

How long does it take to get toxicology results?

Results commonly take several weeks from accredited forensic laboratories.

When can we make funeral arrangements?

You may contact a funeral home immediately. The Coroner’s Office will coordinate release once the legal examination process is complete.

How do I obtain a death certificate?

Certified copies are obtained through the funeral home or Idaho Bureau of Vital Records. The Coroner’s Office cannot order copies.

Legal Next of Kin (Idaho)

Surviving spouse

Adult children

Parents

Adult siblings

More distant relatives as defined by statute

If disagreement exists among equal-priority next of kin, consensus or legal resolution may be required.