Autopsy findings on decomposing drowned body: Identification of specific diagnostic features of external, internal, and laboratory examinations

BACKGROUND: Drowning is one type of asphyxia caused by the entry of fluid into the airway. Death due to drowning is one of the hardest things that are difficult to diagnose in the field of forensic medicine, primarily if the victim found to be in a decomposed state. The state of decomposed examination often does not show typical signs. The diagnosis of drowning can be reached after considering all the results of the forensic examination including external, internal, and laboratory examinations. CASE PRESENTATION: A body has been found in the residential area on the east side of the beach, Tambaksarioso Village, Asemrowo District, on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 13.30 West Indonesian Time and reported to the police for investigation. The body was then identified at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital by a forensic expert. External, internal, and laboratory investigations were conducted. On external examination, the corpse was not intact, with signs of decay, saponification, and violation. In an internal examination, sand in the airways and other signs of drowning were identified. In the acid destruction test using the right femur, a positive diatom result was obtained. CONCLUSION: A complete autopsy is vital to determine the cause and mechanism of death, reconstruct the events before death, and identify the victim. It is also essential to determine whether the deceased died by drowning was alive before entering the water. All injuries suffered by the victims should be described.