Section 20-17-101 - Death - Legal definition(a) An individual is dead who has sustained either: (1) Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or(2) Irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem.(b) A determination of death shall be made in accordance with accepted medical standards.Acts 1979, No. 99, §§ 1, 2; 1985, No. 386, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 82-537, 82-538.