Who is responsible for the identification of a deceased and notifying relatives of the death?

The responsibility for identifying a deceased individual and notifying relatives of the death typically falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner, not the County Commissioner. The Medical Examiner is a qualified forensic pathologist responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving unexplained or suspicious circumstances. This professional is equipped to handle identification, often using various techniques such as fingerprint analysis or DNA testing.

In addition, the Medical Examiner's office typically has protocols in place to ensure that next of kin are notified in an appropriate and timely manner following a death investigation. While funeral directors play a crucial role in managing the arrangements following a death, they are not typically held legally accountable for the identification and notification process of the deceased, which falls under the purview of the Medical Examiner's responsibilities. The Coroner also can have similar functions but is often involved in investigative contexts rather than routine identification and family notification procedures during non-suspicious deaths.

Thus, the Medical Examiner serves as the correct answer regarding the identification and notification of relatives after a death has occurred.