© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Plans Move Forward For New Morgue In Southern Michigan

Jackson skyline photo
File Photo
/
WKAR-MSU

Plans are moving forward to open a new morgue in southern Michigan in early 2019.

The Jackson Citizen Patriot reports Jackson County plans to redesign a facility that was formerly used as a garage to maintain sheriff's department vehicles as a site for autopsies. About $160,000 has been approved for general construction and total costs are expected to be about $500,000.

For years, county autopsies were performed at a Jackson hospital. That ended in July, when the hospital needed the space to expand its pharmacy. Since then, bodies needing autopsies have been transported to Oakland County. Those facilities are about an hour-and-a-half drive away.

Administrator/Controller Mike Overton says the new Jackson County morgue will house up to eight bodies, while the old one at the hospital held only four.

Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.