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Decedent Affairs

Welcome to the newly updated Decedent Affairs Website. The purpose of this site is to provide assistance to Physicians, Nursing Services, Pathology, Administration and the Transportation Department when a death has occurred at:

  • UTMB John Sealy and Jennie Sealy Hospitals,
  • Hospital Galveston (TDCJ),
  • UTMB League City Campus, and
  • UTMB Angleton Danbury Hospital.

On these pages you will find information for Physician and Nursing responsibilities, for In-hospital Deaths, Emergency Department Deaths, Fetal Deaths, TDCJ Deaths and Reportable Medical Examiner Deaths specific to each hospital. Links are also provided with detailed instructions for the Decedent Affairs Paperwork, which include the Form 5012 and Death Certification (or click here for Fetal Death Certificate).

Important: this site reflects the recently passed Texas State law regarding informed consent following a hospital death. Major changes have been made to the Form 5012 and the links provided herein will provide detailed guidance to understand the new procedures.

Under certain circumstances, death must be reported to the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office. Details on this topic are listed under "Reportable Deaths to the Medical Examiner".

We hope that you will find these pages helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information.


Cody White
Autopsy Supervisor
(409) 772-2887

Autopsy Service
Contact Information

4.500 Clinical Services Wing
Phone: (409) 772-2810
Fax: (409) 772-9045

After Hours On-Call Pager: (409) 643-2806

Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on weekends and holidays

Funeral Home Release Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Closed on weekends and holidays


Preliminary Autopsy Reports

Phone: (409) 772-2810