Christopher Todd Newbern, a 48-year-old male, passed away from natural causes at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, on March 29, 2018. His death was recorded under the Namus ID: UCP53093. Despite the fact that passing away in a hospital typically allows for immediate family to be notified, Christopher's case proved challenging as the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO) faced significant difficulties in locating his relatives. Tragically, Christopher's mother had passed away just days before him, and his father was also deceased. Reports indicated that Christopher had two brothers, yet they could not be reached during the investigation.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, undertook an exhaustive search for any living family members of Christopher Todd Newbern. Their efforts were in vain as no relatives could be found to claim him. Without any leads or available kin to contact, the office eventually sent Christopher's remains to a rotation funeral home for cremation. After the cremation, his remains, or cremains, were returned to the PCMEO, where they are likely held in the hope that a family member may one day come forward.
Christopher's case highlights the often somber and challenging responsibilities faced by medical examiners when handling unclaimed persons. The lack of available family to provide closure and the finality of unclaimed remains emphasize the emotional complexities involved in such cases. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, reachable at 253-798-6494, continues to remain available for any potential leads regarding Christopher Todd Newbern's family and to offer assistance in giving him a dignified remembrance.
Date Found: 03/29/2018
