I've lost a ridiculous number of family, friends and acquaintances over the past year. Two of these were during the past couple of weeks, and circumstances have me wondering a couple of things.
First, a friend passed away October 10th. I have been watching the Daily Log in the Blade for a cause of death, but there has been nothing. Under what circumstances is a cause of death NOT posted in the Daily Log?
Second, I just found out yesterday that an old friend/co-worker of mine passed away on Tuesday. I'm trying to find out more information, but there's been no obituary or anything. Is there someplace I should be checking rather than The Blade for more up to date or in depth info?
I'm an infojunkie, and I get frustrated when I can't find what I'm looking for. I realize that 1) patience is a virtue and B) not everything is accessible online. I just figured this would be an excellent place to ask for input.
I'm sorry to hear about your losses.
The Daily Log from The Blade is a long way from being complete. The County is a much more reliable source for birth and death records. I think most counties keep records on line, so check with the county where the death occurred. Even if the deceased lived in Lucas County, if he passed away in Wood county that's where the record of his death will be.
The actual cause of death may never be made public. I think that it's up to the family as to publishing the cause of death. I know when my brother's wife lost her first born son in Tennessee there was a full autopsy ordered, and the cause of death is not revealed to just anyone. You have to have a legitimate reason to know, and idle curiosity doesn't count. In fact, in TN even concerned curiosity won't cut it - and since the parents aren't talking, that leaves the whole thing as a mystery. Personally, I think the paramour did it with a shotgun in the bedroom.
The obit may not be published until Sunday. The funeral home will have a copy of the obit or a reasonable facsimile thereof.
There you go.
Check out the Toledo Legal News: http://www.toledolegalnews.com/deathnotices
It publishes all deaths in Lucas County along with the coroner's reported cause of death.
Pete, thank you for that link. A quick search answered one of my questions. Very much appreciated.
Madjack, you're so right about the Daily Log not being complete.
Coroner's autopsy reports are public records in Ohio, obtainable by anyone. Just write and ask and they mail you a copy. Deaths, including cause of death, is always published in Ohio in a newspaper of "general circulation". In Lucas County the Toledo Legal News is considered the newspaper of general circulation, as pete noted.
There can be a lengthy delay in publishing the cause of death if the coroner is waiting for toxicology results before ruling.
Sorry for your lose gamegrrl.
Thanks, INC.
Always had a soft spot in my heart for this guy. He took a chance on me when no one else would, and he was a true original. And yeah, he was self-destructive and abrasive (but not mean), and no matter how many people were in the room, he could tell a single joke that would offend and insult 99% of them in one fell swoop.
At the end of the day, he was a smart, insecure guy who could be very charming. My life is better having had him in it.
RIP, old friend...
As for obits, the family or whoever has to pay for those. The funeral home will usually help the family write it, and then submit it for them. The Blade bills the funeral home, who passes it on with the final bill.