How is a death ruled as "natural"?

A death is ruled as "natural" when it results from internal biological processes or conditions, such as diseases, medical complications, or the effects of aging, without any external factors or influences. This classification is important in forensic science and death investigations as it helps to differentiate between deaths caused by natural health issues and those resulting from external causes like accidents or violence.

Natural causes could include heart disease, cancer, respiratory failure, or other medical conditions that lead to death. The absence of trauma or external pathology is key in this determination. In contrast, deaths that involve trauma, accidents, or self-harm do not fit this definition, as they are influenced by external events. This distinction is critical for medical examiners and investigators when documenting and reporting on the circumstances surrounding a death.