On September 10, 2020, the remains of Keith Derwin were discovered in his residence in Lakewood, Washington. The 64-year-old male, identified as Namus ID: UCP79779, was determined to have died of natural causes. Despite the circumstances of his passing, the situation was complicated by the fact that no family members came forward to claim his body.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, took charge of the case, assigned as Agency Case Number: 20-2042. The office undertook an extensive investigation to identify and locate any relatives of Keith Derwin. Unfortunately, their comprehensive search efforts to find next of kin proved unsuccessful, leaving the decedent unclaimed. The medical examiner's office, reachable at 253-798-6494, persisted in their attempts by utilizing available resources, yet no connections to existing family were uncovered.
In cases like this, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office plays an essential role in upholding dignity and respect for the deceased. Their responsibility extends beyond determining the cause of death to ensuring that all possible steps are taken to find family or friends who can honor their loved one with a proper farewell. Despite the lack of familial ties that surfaced in Keith Derwin's case, the agency continues to demonstrate commitment and compassion in handling such sensitive matters within the community.
Date Found: 09/10/2020
