Inside the King County Medical Examiner's Office

In this gripping episode of Invisible Histories, we take you behind the scenes of the King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO) where death and the stories surrounding it come to life through the eyes of lead forensic medicolegal death investigator, James Sosik Jr.

Join us as we explore the often unseen world of "unnatural" death investigation in King County, WA, and discuss everything from the realities of autopsies to the humane treatment of unclaimed bodies.

Disclaimer: KCMEO takes family confidentiality very seriously and during our tour we were not able to see any specific identifiable bodies or cremains.

This episode delves into:

• The unique experience of touring the Medical Examiner's Office, including the chilling cooler where at any time up to 100 bodies may be stored, wrapped in shrouds.
• James's insightful reflections on his 27 years of experience, and the emotional weight of working with families during their most difficult times
• A deep dive into the Indigent Remains Program, which provides dignified burials for those who have passed without means or family
• The challenges of navigating conversations about death and the importance of humanizing those who have died, especially from marginalized communities
• Thoughts on creating a memorial for the 3,260 souls interred at the lost Potter's Field, and how the community can engage in this vital conversation

This episode is not just about death; it's about life, loss, and the connections we share. Tune in to gain a profound understanding of the work that goes on behind closed doors and the importance of remembering the forgotten.

Show Notes:

• King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO)
• KCMEO's Indigent Remains Program
• Share Wheel
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Show notes: www.invisible-histories.com/episodes

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Credits:

Recorded at the King County Medical Examiner's offices

Production Coordinator and Researcher: Jacob Neville.

Cover image: Design by Cari Simson

Music: uppbeat.io "The Fog" by Danijel Zambo

A special thank you to James Sosik Jr., and Kate Cole from the Communications Department for Public Health in King County and the King County Medical Examiner's Office

Cari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com

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