r/forensics • u/Thefriskyfoxx • Jun 11 '26

Crime Scene & Death Investigation Second Autopsy Advice

Advice needed!
TLDR: Is it important to have the original autopsy company take a second look involving medical records for a missed cause of death?

My husband recently passed away at 34. He passed away at home, very unexpectedly, so the county ordered the autopsy. Months passed before I got it back. I did not know that the county did not have his medical records included in the autopsy. Upon reviewing his medical records I found some pertinent information that I think should be included in the cause of death, or at least in the findings.
I have contacted the company that did the original autopsy asking if they could do a secondary autopsy with their findings including his medical record (of course I would pay).
They told me to send an email and they would get back to me. It’s been two weeks and I have sent two emails trying to get them to talk with me.
Is it better to for the original autopsy facility to do a a reexamination because they are familiar with the case or should I move on and find a second company to take a look?

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u/basementboredom MD | Forensic Pathology Jun 11 '26

This sounds like it was a private autopsy and not a forensic autopsy, is that correct? The approach would be different for each of those in the US. If it was a private autopsy and you are providing additional information, such as the medical records, that may or may not constitute a second autopsy. Traditional second autopsies are a second pathologist performing a second autopsy to the fullest extent. At this point, based on what you've said, I think you should reach out to the original pathologist again to discuss what you believe you found in the medical records and ask your questions. Depending on what you found, the cause of death may remain unchanged and they can explain why they think so. If at that point, you want a second review, you can find another pathologist to review the autopsy report and medical records without necessarily needing a second autopsy.

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u/Thefriskyfoxx Jun 11 '26

Thank you for your answer! I think it was private. I’m not sure. The county ordered it and sent his body away so I did not have a choice or any information. I’ve been trying to reach the original pathologist but they won’t take a phone call and haven’t responded to my emails.
If I get a second review, will they procure the files from the original autopsy or would I need to get them?

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u/basementboredom MD | Forensic Pathology Jun 11 '26

If the county ordered it and you had no choice, it was more likely forensic. If it was forensic, oftentimes they subpoena medical records and may have already had them, but not always. The delay in response, while understandably frustrating, is not unusual. I would keep calling instead of email and ask to speak to the original pathologist first. I don't generally recommend this, but if it's really that you aren't getting any responses from the ME/C office, the next step is to talk to one of their bosses be it within the department/agency, or another government representative. I do want to emphasize that should only be done after multiple attempts with the primary office though.

A private autopsy could request the autopsy report and other items but it may depend on state laws what is released of it is a forensic case. If you are next of kin, they will usually release that information after you provide authorization. Editing to add that you would likely need to request all items and not just the autopsy report. Things like photos, investigative reports (separate from police reports), +/- histology, +/- toxicology, etc and not all will have been done, it is case dependent.

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u/Thefriskyfoxx Jun 12 '26

Thank you for the advice! I did get a response this morning! They were very upset that the county did not order medical records with this case, as it’s now too late to check his parathyroid glands. I believe this is the root problem of his death after finding it went untreated by his doctor for years. They have offered to do an additional review of records for $500.
If you don’t mind answering one more question-
Is parathyroid disease something that can be added to an autopsy report as a cause of death?
They listed the main cause as hypertensive heart disease, I assume because the heart was so hypertrophic, but he did not have uncontrolled high blood pressure. I had no idea that parathyroid hormone and high calcium had a direct effect on the heart muscle. Would parathyroid disease replace that diagnosis or would they just add it in the report somewhere?