Find Summit County Death Records
Summit County obituary records provide details about deaths that occurred in this Colorado region. Families search these death records to learn about ancestors and settle estates. The Summit County Clerk and Recorder maintains local vital records in Frisco. State laws govern access to these obituary archives. Researchers can find death certificates, burial records, and newspaper notices. These documents serve legal and genealogical needs. This guide explains how to access Summit County death records efficiently and legally.
Summit County Vital Records Office
The Summit County Clerk and Recorder handles local vital records requests. Their office sits at 360 Peak One Drive, Frisco, CO 80443. You can call them at 970-668-4100 during business hours. Staff can guide you through the process of obtaining death certificates and other obituary records.
Vital records in Summit County follow Colorado state laws. Death certificates become public after 75 years. Recent death records remain restricted to eligible family members. The clerk's office can explain who qualifies for copies. They can also direct you to state resources if needed.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains copies of all state death certificates. Their database includes deaths from Summit County dating back to 1900. You can order certificates online, by mail, or by phone through the state office.
State records complement local county resources. The CDPHE office in Denver processes requests for all 64 counties. This includes deaths that occurred in Frisco and throughout Summit County.
Walk-in services may be available at the county office. Call ahead to confirm hours and requirements. Staff appreciate when visitors come prepared with proper identification and documentation.
Note: Summit County offices close on state holidays and may have reduced hours during severe weather.
Summit County Death Certificates
Summit County Public Health provides vital records services for Summit County residents. They work with the state to issue certified copies of death certificates. These documents serve legal purposes like estate settlement and insurance claims. Families need them to close accounts and transfer property.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, Colorado requires funeral homes to file death certificates within 72 hours. This ensures timely recording of all deaths in Summit County. Medical certifiers must attest to the cause of death. The state registrar reviews each certificate for completeness.
Death certificate fees in Colorado are set by state law. First copies cost $25. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $20 each. These fees apply whether you order from the county or state office. Payment is required before processing begins.
Requesting death records requires proof of eligibility. You must show identification and demonstrate your relationship to the deceased. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 protects the privacy of death records. This law prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Summit County Newspaper Obituaries
Local newspapers have published obituaries for Summit County residents for over a century. The Summit Daily News serves as the primary source for community death notices. These obituaries often contain details not found in official death certificates. Families share stories, survivor lists, and service information.
Historical newspaper archives provide genealogical gold for Summit County researchers. Early papers recorded deaths in brief notices. Modern obituaries read like biographical sketches. Both types help family historians understand their ancestors' lives and deaths.
Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free access to digitized papers from across the state. This database includes publications from many Colorado counties. You can search by name, date, or keyword. The collection spans from 1859 to 2025.
The Denver Public Library maintains extensive obituary indexes. Their collection covers major Colorado newspapers from 1913 to 2016. These indexes help you locate specific obituaries in Summit County and beyond. Reference staff can assist with research requests.
Historical Summit County Death Records
Finding death records before 1908 requires creative searching in Summit County. Colorado did not mandate uniform death registration until that year. Earlier records may exist in county clerk archives. Church records and family Bibles fill gaps for this period.
Colorado State Archives holds pre-1908 death records from across the state. Their collection includes burial permits and coroner's reports. These documents offer details about early Summit County deaths. Researchers can visit the archives in Denver or search online indexes.
Cemetery records provide another source for historic death information. Sextons kept registers of burials in Summit County cemeteries. These books show who was buried where and when. Some include causes of death or places of origin. Contact local cemetery offices for access.
Coroner records document unusual deaths in Summit County history. Inquests investigated accidents, suicides, and homicides. These files contain witness testimony and evidence reports. The State Archives preserves many historic coroner records from Colorado counties.
Genealogy Research in Summit County
Family historians find rich resources for Summit County obituary research. Death records provide names, dates, and relationships. Obituaries add stories and community context. Together they build complete pictures of ancestors' lives.
Start with known facts when searching Summit County records. Gather names, approximate dates, and locations. Search death certificate indexes first. These point to specific records held by the state or county. Verify findings with multiple sources.
Find A Grave offers free cemetery records for Summit County. Volunteers photograph headstones and create memorial pages. GPS coordinates help locate graves in person. The site links family members across generations.
Colorado genealogical societies support researchers statewide. Local historical groups may have Summit County specific collections. These organizations preserve photos, documents, and family papers. They offer expertise on regional research methods.
Note: Genealogists can access death records over 25 years old marked for genealogical use only.
Summit County Obituary Resources
Several online databases contain Summit County obituary records. Legacy.com collects current obituaries from Colorado newspapers. You can search by name or browse by location. The site covers deaths throughout the state.
FamilySearch.org provides free guides to Colorado genealogical records. Their wiki pages link to county-specific resources. You can access these tools at no cost. The site offers research tutorials and record descriptions.
State law protects the privacy of recent death records. C.R.S. § 25-2-118 defines who may obtain certified copies. Eligible requesters include immediate family and legal representatives. Each must provide proper documentation.
Ordering death certificates online is fastest for Summit County records. Third-party vendors like GoCertificates and VitalChek process state-authorized requests. Service fees apply in addition to state costs. These services ship records directly to your door.
Contact Colorado Vital Records for questions about state-held death certificates. Their staff can explain procedures and requirements. They serve all 64 Colorado counties including Summit.
Browse Summit County Obituary Records by Location
Each Colorado county maintains local death records and obituary archives. Select another county below to find additional resources.