On November 27, 2015, the body of Edward W. Martinez was found in Lakewood, Washington. He was identified as a male who had passed away from natural causes at St. Clare Hospital. Despite the notification of his family, they chose not to claim his body due to financial constraints. As a result, his case was handled by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington.
Following standard procedures for unclaimed individuals, Edward W. Martinez's remains were sent to a rotation funeral home after his passing. Despite efforts made to notify and involve his family, the circumstances led to his cremated remains being returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. They remained unclaimed for over a year, presenting a unique situation for the office to resolve.
In accordance with established policy, when remains are not claimed within a specified timeframe, a respectful and ceremonial process ensues. On August 30, 2017, the staff of the PCMEO conducted a ceremony to scatter Edward W. Martinez's cremated remains at sea. This act was carried out with the intent to provide a dignified and final resting place for the unclaimed. For any inquiries regarding this case, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office can be reached at 253-798-6494, referencing Agency Case Number 15-1932.
Date Found: 11/27/2015
