In January 2015, the body of Clifford W. Locklin was discovered in Lakewood, Washington, marking the beginning of a poignant case managed by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. Locklin, an unclaimed individual, passed away at St. Clare Hospital due to natural causes. Despite efforts to trace any next of kin by the hospital staff and the medical examiner's office, no known family members were found to claim his remains. Consequently, Locklin's remains became the responsibility of the local authorities.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, took charge of handling Locklin's case. The medical examiner's office, associated with case number 15-0123, attempted a thorough search for Locklin's next of kin, but unfortunately, their efforts proved unfruitful. Without any apparent relatives to take responsibility for his final arrangements, Locklin's remains were placed in the care of a rotation funeral home.
After the funeral home held Locklin's remains temporarily, his cremated remains were returned to the medical examiner's office. Eventually, on August 17, 2016, more than a year after his passing, his unclaimed ashes were respectfully scattered at sea. This service was part of a standard procedure for dealing with unclaimed remains, ensuring that Locklin was given a dignified and respectful final send-off, despite the absence of family or acquaintances. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office can be contacted for further inquiries at 253-798-6494.
Date Found: 01/19/2015
