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Unclaimed & Unidentified Persons Search

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office processes approximately 3,000 cases of unidentified persons each year. Our goal is to give respect and dignity to each decedent within our office. We are making these decedent's records available to the public in hopes that it will bring closure to their families and friends.

The database is categorized by unclaimed and unidentified persons. In our efforts to make your search easier, users can sort the column headers by clicking multiple identifiers. There are two sets of frequently asked questions (FAQ). The first set of FAQs gives instructions and information about navigating through the database. The second set of FAQs gives answers to some of the Medical Examiner's Office operations, common concerns, and next steps to take in claiming a decedent. If there are questions, comments, or concerns regarding our new process, please contact the Medical Examiner's Office at 313-833-2504.

Search Wayne County Unidentified & Unclaimed Persons
Please contact the Medical Examiner's Office Investigative Department at (313) 833-2750 if you believe you recognize someone in the Unclaimed and Unidentified Persons tool.

What is the difference between Unclaimed and Unidentified Persons?

Unclaimed Person - Decedents that are currently at the Medical Examiner's office where the legally recognized next of kin has not contacted a funeral home to make final arrangements.

Unidentified Person - The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office is unable to determine the identity of a deceased person and therefore cannot notify the next of kin.

How do I find Unidentified Persons in the Database?

To find a person who has been unable to be identified within the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office select "Unidentified/Unknown" as the search type.

How can I sort the results to help locate the person I'm looking for?

On any column header, click the tab to sort results by the identifying information. The triangle in the lower left column header will be pointing up when viewing values in ascending order.

Clicking on the column header again will have the triangle in the lower left of column header pointing down in descending order.

What does R/O or F/O mean in the Location description?

Sometimes a property address is given as a landmark.
R/O refers to the Rear of the property at the address given.
F/O means in front of the address provided.

How often is the database updated?

The database is updated daily.

I think I may have found someone I know. What do I do now?

If you believe you have identified someone you recognize in the database, please contact the Medical Examiner's Office Investigative Department at 313-833-2570 to speak to an investigator. You may be asked to provide some identifying characteristics to assist us in making sure that your researched information is a true match.

I have more questions. How do I find out more?

For more information about daily operations and common concerns, please read our Medical Examiner's Office Frequently Asked Questions.

Are there any other resources I can check to find someone?

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) includes missing, unclaimed and unidentified persons from many jusrisdictions nationwide.