What is the primary role of a death investigator?

The primary role of a death investigator is to determine the cause and manner of death. This process is crucial as it helps law enforcement, medical professionals, and public health officials understand the circumstances surrounding a death. Death investigators examine evidence, conduct interviews, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to gather all necessary information that can lead to a clear understanding of how and why a person died. This role becomes particularly significant in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths, where establishing the cause and manner can have legal implications.

The responsibilities of arranging funeral services, providing emotional support to families, or overseeing burial processes, while essential in the funeral service practice, fall under different professional roles such as funeral directors or grief counselors, rather than the investigative duties that focus specifically on the cause of death.