On October 29, 2018, a 78-year-old man named William Cecil Brown was identified after his passing at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. His death was determined to be from natural causes. Unfortunately, the decedent found himself unclaimed as his only known next of kin, a granddaughter, was unable to step forward to claim him. This situation set into motion the protocols of the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, which managed his case under the agency's case number 18-2221.
With no family able to claim him, William Cecil Brown's body was transferred to a rotation funeral home. There, he was cremated, and his cremains were returned to the custody of the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO). The PCMEO, situated at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, took the responsibility of ensuring his final arrangements respected his status and service as a veteran. The office can be contacted at 253-798-6494 for any further inquiries regarding this and similar cases.
Recognizing his eligibility as a veteran, arrangements were made to honor him with a proper burial at the Tahoma National Cemetery. This would ensure that William Cecil Brown, despite being unclaimed by kin, received a dignified resting place reflecting his service. Such instances highlight the challenges faced with unclaimed persons but also the systems in place to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect in their final journey.
Date Found: 10/29/2018
