This study examines and attempts to solve cases of Sudden Unexpected Natural Death (SUND) in people under 50 through comprehensive postmortem genetic testing.
In this study, researchers aim to identify and test a large number of Sudden Unexpected Natural Death (SUND) cases in the young (people under 50) and provide answers to the medical examiners and the families through postmortem genetic testing, as well as to evaluate the utility of molecular testing in postmortem investigations and to inform forensic practice standards and guidelines. The researchers believe that this project will have a significant impact in justice through improved approaches to death certification and family counseling, providing evidence to shift the current paradigm in postmortem genetic testing, and enhance death prevention in at-risk family members through new diagnostic and therapeutic methods. SUND in the young (≤ 50 years old) presents vexing challenges for forensic pathologists when comprehensive forensic investigation offer no clues toward a cause of death. Diagnostic reports were issued by board-certified laboratory director and board-certified genetic counselor who also provides genetic counseling to the families.