On December 20, 2017, the body of 59-year-old William Michael Francis was discovered at his residence in Lakewood, Washington. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington, was responsible for handling the case, assigned the Agency Case Number 17-2428, with a Namus ID of UCP5269. Initial investigations determined that Mr. Francis died of natural causes. Despite efforts to locate next of kin, investigators faced difficulties, as he appeared to have no immediate family. A girlfriend of the decedent also had no knowledge of any living relatives.
Despite thorough and extensive efforts by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, using various outreach and search methods, no relatives could be located. The office, committed to ensuring that decedents receive proper post-mortem care and respect, handled his remains with the utmost care. In line with protocol for unclaimed individuals, the decedent's body was sent to a contract funeral home, where he was cremated. After the process, his cremated remains were returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office.
The challenge of unclaimed individuals like William Michael Francis serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of social connections and community. The case underscores the efforts of entities such as the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office in providing dignity and respect to those who pass away with no identified kin. The office, reachable at 253-798-6494, continues its vital work, even when faced with cases as complex and heart-rending as that of Mr. Francis.
Date Found: 12/20/2017
