It’s always nice closure to definitely determine the cause of death. You’ve put in hard work to get there. There is one last step though, and this is quite important to closing a case. You need to finalize the Autopsy Report. In earlier drafts you documented the physical evidence and your evolving theories about the case. The goal with the final version is to put the finishing touches on the report, so that it thoroughly captures your findings in a way that all interested parties will easily understand – the police and Nick’s family, most notably.

Finalize the Opinion section

Specifically, you need to finalize the Opinion section of the report so that it explains, in as much detail as possible, exactly what caused the death in a way that people without any medical training can easily understand. (It’s okay to use technical terminology if you clearly explain its meaning.) Write the story of Nick Herren’s death; the detailed investigation that followed; and how you arrived at your conclusions.

Another thing you need to do is, in your explanations, work to answer any questions readers might have about your diagnosis. This is really relevant in Nick’s case. It’s rare that an otherwise healthy young man will die suddenly from a ruptured AVM. You need to write a thorough description of the primary cause of death and any contributing factors that were at play, so Nick’s family, especially, understands why this would have happened to him. You should explain not only that Nick had a ruptured AVM, but also the biological circumstances that caused the AVM to rupture and why you think the AVM ruptured at this particular point in his life.

I’m attaching the final version of the autopsy report from another case for you to use as a guideline. By now, you should be familiar with that case (based on the earlier draft versions I sent you previously). Remember: this version of your Autopsy Report should be a finished document. It should be polished and professional. (However, you do not need to revise any other sections of the report apart from the Opinion.)

I look forward to reviewing your final report.

Regards,

Cameron Wood, M.D.

Chief Medical Examiner

Highland Medical Examiner’s Office