On May 5, 2017, the body of 54-year-old William Anthony Baker was found in Tacoma, Washington. Mr. Baker passed away of natural causes at Tacoma General Hospital. The case, identified under Namus ID: UCP5368, soon came under the jurisdiction of the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. Despite initial indications from the decedent's family that they intended to claim his remains, they later decided against doing so.
Following the family’s decision, Mr. Baker's remains were sent to a rotation funeral home, where cremation was carried out. The cremains were subsequently returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. This unclaimed person case underscores the complexities and sensitive nature of handling situations where next of kin initially express intent to take responsibility, only to later reverse their decision.
For any further inquiries or information regarding this case, individuals can reach out to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. They can be contacted via telephone at 253-798-6494 for clarifications or assistance related to agency case number 17-0791. Despite the successful resolution of the case procedures, the circumstances leading to an unclaimed status illustrated the often challenging nature of ensuring the deceased receive the respect and care they deserve, even in death.
Date Found: 05/05/2017
