On December 30, 2016, the body of Melvin R. Augg, a 50-year-old male, was discovered in Tacoma, Washington. Identified through the NamUs system with the ID UCP53021, Melvin was determined to have died of natural causes while homeless in the area. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, assumed responsibility for managing his remains due to the lack of immediate family support capable of claiming the body.
Initial contact by the Medical Examiner's Office with the decedent's sister revealed that she was unable to claim her brother's body, leaving Melvin's remains unclaimed. Consequently, the office decided to release his body to a local embalming school, providing an opportunity for the institution to utilize the remains for educational purposes. This decision was made in alignment with standard procedures when a deceased person remains unclaimed, allowing the body to contribute to educational advancements until it could be properly managed.
Following the embalming school's use, Melvin R. Augg's remains were cremated, and his cremains were respectfully handled by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. On August 29, 2018, the office conducted a scattering ceremony at sea, thereby ensuring a dignified final resting place for Melvin. Although Melvin's life ended without immediate family intervention, the office ensured that he received a respectful and thoughtful handling of his remains in his final journey. For further inquiries, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office can be contacted at 253-798-6494 regarding case number 16-2362.
Date Found: 12/30/2016
