Joseph Daniel Dolan, a 57-year-old male, was discovered deceased at his residence in Tacoma, Washington, on April 14, 2018. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO) determined that Mr. Dolan died of natural causes. Despite extensive efforts to locate his family, the office was unable to identify or contact any next of kin. Consequently, his remains were sent to a rotation funeral home where he was cremated, and the cremains were subsequently returned to the PCMEO.
During the investigation, it was confirmed that Mr. Dolan was a veteran, making him eligible for interment at a national cemetery. Recognizing his service, arrangements were made for his cremains to be given due honor. On July 30, 2018, Joseph Daniel Dolan's cremains were released for burial at the Tahoma National Cemetery, ensuring he received an appropriate and respectful resting place befitting his veteran status.
The case of Joseph Daniel Dolan, associated with NamUs ID UCP53137, highlights the challenges faced by medical examiners when attempting to reunite unclaimed individuals with their families. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington, and reachable at 253-798-6494, was responsible for handling this case under the agency case number 18-0981. Despite the absence of known relatives, their diligent efforts ensured that Mr. Dolan received recognition for his service to the nation.
Date Found: 04/14/2018
