On December 22, 2017, the body of Jim Tung Richmond, a 69-year-old male, was found in Tacoma, Washington. He passed away at St. Joseph Medical Center due to natural causes, having suffered from numerous health issues. Richmond had been under the care of a caregiver who unfortunately did not have information regarding any of his family members. This lack of knowledge about his kin prompted a comprehensive search by medical authorities.
The hospital, having exhausted all avenues to identify any next of kin, sought assistance from the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO). Despite their concerted efforts and extensive searches, the PCMEO was also unable to locate any family members for the decedent. With no family to claim him, they proceeded with the next steps to ensure Richmond's remains were treated with respect.
Richmond's body was subsequently transferred to a designated funeral home, where he was cremated. Following the cremation, his cremains were entrusted to the PCMEO, as no family came forward to claim them. This case, identified with Namus ID: UCP5267 and Agency Case Number: 17-2445, underscores the compassionate but often challenging role of medical examiners and health care providers in caring for individuals who pass away without known relatives. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, can be contacted via their number, 253-798-6494, for further inquiries.
Date Found: 12/22/2017
