On December 28, 2015, the body of an elderly female, later identified as Patricia E. West, was found in Tacoma, Washington. The discovery occurred at the Avamere Heritage Rehabilitation Center, where she had passed away from natural causes. Despite thorough investigations, including a Next of Kin (NOK) search conducted by officials, no family members or acquaintances were identified who could claim responsibility for Ms. West's remains. As a result, her case was handled under the unclaimed person protocol.
After her passing, Patricia E. West's body was transferred to a rotation funeral home per standard procedure for cases where no next of kin can be found. Eventually, her body was cremated, and the cremated remains were returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO) located at 3619 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington. Despite attempts to locate family or anyone with connections to Ms. West, her cremains remained unclaimed for over a year.
Following PCMEO policy, Ms. West's remains were respectfully laid to rest in a manner befitting her situation. On August 30, 2017, in a ceremony facilitated by the staff of the Medical Examiner's Office, Ms. West's cremated remains were scattered at sea. This was done to ensure that she received a dignified and honorable final disposition despite the absence of any known relatives. The case, tracked under Agency Case Number 15-2140 and Namus ID UCP2535, underscores the essential role medical examiners and related authorities play in managing the dignified handling of unclaimed individuals. Anyone seeking additional information can contact the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office at 253-798-6494.
Date Found: 12/28/2015
