Notice shall not be given nor shall any body be delivered pursuant to Code Section 31-21-21 if the deceased person was a traveler who died suddenly. In such cases, the next of kin shall be notified concerning the disposition of the dead body. If no next of kin is located, or no replies from next of kin are received, or the body is unclaimed within 72 hours, the procedure indicated in this chapter shall apply.
OCGA § 31-21-22