The autopsy of Sylvia Likens revealed that she had more than 150 different wounds on her body, and she was also dangerously underweight when she passed away. The actual wounds themselves differed in terms of their type, location, severity, and healing progress.

She suffered serious bruises, burns, and major muscle and nerve damage. Her vaginal canal had nearly closed up. Along with having all of her fingernails broken backward, Likens also had most of her exterior layers of skin peeled or retreated off her face, breasts, and neck. 

Coroner Dr. Arthur Kebel determined that Likens’ subdural hematoma from a serious hit to her right temple was the cause of death. 

She died as a result of severe and sustained injury to her skin and subcutaneous tissues, shock, and acute malnutrition, all of which were recognized as contributing factors.