Whatcom County Medical Examiner to be replaced following independent investigation into improperly stored bodies

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham funeral services business was the subject of news reports on June 6th after the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) Funeral and Cemetery Board received information about unrefrigerated human remains being stored on their property in May. Investigators said they learned of an agreement between the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office (ME) and the business that allowed the ME use of a portable cooling unit in the business’ garage and 5 refrigeration spaces in the refrigeration unit at their cemetery. This temporary storage arrangement was due to renovation work that reduced storage capacity at the ME’s facility.

Subsequent to the reports and citing ME’s refusal to take responsibility when the business was blamed in the reports, the business announced on June 12th that ME’s staff and equipment were no longer using the funeral services business’ property.

Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office hired an outside attorney to perform an independent investigation into whether the Medical Examiner’s Office and/or the business improperly stored bodies. The final report was delivered on July 26th.

… I find those two bodies were severely decomposed because they were improperly left out by the Medical Examiner’s office in their uncooled garage space at [the business] over a very hot weekend prior to being picked up by the two funeral homes.

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There are also allegations by some people that the Medical Examiner’s Office regularly improperly stored many bodies in their leased garage space at [the business] during May of 2024, and that these many bodies were not refrigerated. For reasons set out below, I find those allegations to be unsubstantiated.

– Final Summary Report of Investigation from Bundy Law Group PLLC (July 26, 2024)

In an email announcing the release of the report, the Whatcom County Executive’s Office also announced that they are beginning a search for a new medical examiner. The current medical examiner’s contract ends at the end of 2024.

In the meantime, the County is working with the current Medical Examiner and partners across northwest Washington to ensure capacity needs are met. The timing and process for the upcoming transition will be determined in the coming days.

– Whatcom County Executive’s Office (August 5, 2024)