On July 8, 2019, the body of 69-year-old Vona Fae Quinlan was discovered at her residence in Orting, Washington. The circumstances of her death led to an inquiry overseen by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington. Under the identification Namus ID: UCP60042, the office sought to resolve the particulars surrounding her passing and handling of her remains.
Efforts were made to contact her family, but they unfortunately disclosed that financial constraints prevented them from claiming her body. This lack of resources resulted in a significant challenge, as no other relatives could be identified or reached to assist in managing Vona's posthumous affairs. The situation underscores the difficulties sometimes faced by individuals and families in economically precarious circumstances when confronted with unexpected end-of-life responsibilities.
In light of these circumstances, Vona Fae Quinlan's remains were transferred to a rotation funeral home where she underwent cremation. The cremated remains, or cremains, were subsequently returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. The handling of Quinlan's case, recorded under the Agency Case Number: 19-1363, reflects an often unseen aspect of the work done by medical examiners’ offices. These agencies are sometimes called upon to manage the affairs of unclaimed individuals, ensuring that they are treated with dignity in death when the means or connections for familial intervention are absent. Those seeking more information or wishing to discuss the case further are encouraged to contact the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office at the phone number 253-798-6494.
Date Found: 07/08/2019
