Why PRONOUNCED dead?

[dachse]

Why, when someone dies in a car accident or similar, are they PRONOUNCED dead? Wouldn't it make more sense to say declared dead?

[Ethel]

The definitions of the word 'pronounced' explains it:

2 to declare something officially, formally or authoritatively � pronounced her innocent. 3 to pass or deliver (judgement).

[TCL-MUMPING]

One of the definitions of the verb "pronounce" is "to declare something officially, formally or authoritatively" so it is not a case of it making less sense than "declare" but it is merely used more often.

[beso]

Pronounced dead means: However you say it with whatever words they are dead.

Deceased is pronounced "dead".
Passed away is pronounced "dead".
Pining for the fiords is pronounced "dead".

[Bert]

This would fit well with a Spike Milligan joke: The man walked with a pronounced limp - L, I, M, P - pronounced 'limp'.