Q. Where is the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner located?

We are located 3840 Bamore Road Rosenberg, TX 77471

Q. Why is the Medical Examiner's Office involved?

Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures authorizes the Medical Examiner to investigate deaths that fall into the following categories:

  • Unattended deaths
  • Deaths occurring less than 24 hours after admission to a hospital, nursing home, prison, jail or any other institution
  • Where the cause of death is not known
  • Deaths due to unnatural causes
  • Suspicious deaths
  • Suicide
  • Children under the age of six

Q. Do I have to pay for an autopsy?

No. Any autopsy performed by the Medical Examiner's Office is at the discretion of the Medical Examiner and provided as a service by the county.

Q. Is viewing allowed?

No. Our facility is not designed to accommodate viewings. Please contact the designated funeral home to schedule a time to view your family member or friend.

Q. What do I do when a loved one dies and is taken to the Medical Examiner's Office?

You should select a funeral home and notify the Funeral Director that the death is being handled by the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office.  The funeral home will have the next of kin sign an authorization to release the body to the funeral home you have selected. Once the autopsy has been performed, this office will contact the funeral home to pick up the body.

Q. Can anyone sign a Release Form authorizing your office to release the body to a funeral home?

No.  According to Texas law, only the legal next-of-kin may do so. 

Q. How long will it take before the body of my loved one or friend is released by your office?

It generally takes 12 to 24 hours to complete our examination. In certain cases, however, it may take longer.

Q. Will personal effects be released to the family?

Yes. For the convenience of the family, they are usually released to the funeral home. However, the legal next-of-kin may request on the release form not to release the personal effects to the funeral home. The personal effects will then be maintained at the Medical Examiner’s Office for safekeeping and released to the legal next-of-kin upon providing proper identification.

Q. How can I find out the cause of death?

In most cases, the cause and manner of death will be listed on the death certificate. You may also submit a written request to our office to obtain the cause and manner of death.  

Q. Will an autopsy interfere with an open casket viewing?

If there were no injuries before the autopsy, the funeral director may still arrange an open casket service.

Q. Will an autopsy report be available?

You may obtain a copy of the Autopsy Report by sending a written request (include the deceased's name and date of death) to:

Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office
3840 Bamore Road
Rosenberg, TX 77471

OR

You can e-mail your request with the same information listed above to: FBMEO@fortbendcountytx.gov

Q. Who may obtain a copy of the autopsy report?

According to the Texas Public Information Act, an autopsy report is public information and may be released to anyone who requests a copy unless there is an exception under the law.

Q. Where can I obtain a copy of the Death Certificate?

Death Certificates may be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the city where the death occurred or from your funeral home.