Death records lead to distress for one family

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A law change has left one Terre Haute woman searching for closure almost one month after the loss of her sister.

Elizabeth Wells' sister, Robin, died on December 30. However, Wells is still awaiting her sister's death certificate.

After more than three weeks, her doctor still has not electronically signed off on a death certificate. According to a new law, all death certificates must be entered in electronically.

She's been told she'll have to wait even longer.

Wells' case isn't the only one, but officials said doctors may not be the only ones responsible.

Vigo County Coroner, Doctor Roland Kohr said the new computer system isn't easy to understand, causing multiple delays for doctors.

Kohr believes proper training on the new system will help speed up the process.

However, Elizabeth Wells wants closure for her family now. "To add to a family's grief, to keep things still up in the air, I think that's unforgivable," Wells said.