What to do when someone dies suddenly?

The sudden loss of a loved one can be one of the most overwhelming experiences a person can face. Whether it’s due to an accident, underlying medical condition or unforeseen circumstances, an unexpected death can be extremely complex to navigate. In these moments of shock and grief, facing the loss while dealing with the next steps can be difficult, that’s why we are here to help.

Throughout this blog, we will discuss the early steps to take after someone dies suddenly. From notifying the appropriate people to handling legal responsibilities and arranging the funeral, we’re here to make the daunting moments easier. Whether you’re facing this difficult moment right now or looking to prepare yourself for the future, keep reading for clear guidance on what to do after a sudden death, or click the link below to book an appointment with one of our funeral directors, and we’ll walk you through the process ourselves.

Who to contact immediately after a sudden death?

If someone dies unexpectedly at home, the first thing you should do is call 999. The emergency operator will then be able to advise you on what to do next. A doctor or paramedic will then be sent to your home to attempt resuscitation or confirm the death. If the cause of death is unclear or an accident has occurred, a coroner will then be contacted to investigate the unexpected death.

In the case of a sudden death, the police will also be contacted to visit the home and ask questions about the circumstances of the death. After statements have been taken, the police will then ask if you have a chosen funeral director and will then contact them on your behalf to arrange for the deceased to be taken into their care. This can all be overwhelming when trying to deal with the shock and enormity of the situation, however, it is important to remember that it is all part of the normal procedure, and the experienced voices around you will do all they can to simplify the process.

What do you need to do when someone dies unexpectedly?

Beyond the emotional toll of sudden death, many legal, logistical and financial steps also need to be taken to get all of the necessary affairs in order. After contacting 999, there are a few key steps you now need to take which we have clearly outlined below to help relieve some of the uncertainty you may feel at this time and help you focus on what matters most – honouring your loved one and managing personal grief.

Register the death 

Once the deceased has been taken into the care of a funeral director, you will receive a certificate of death from the hospital or coroner which you can then use to register the death formally. Registering the death will then give you all of the necessary paperwork needed to begin arranging the funeral and managing the deceased’s estates and finances. 

To register the death, as well as the death certificate you will also need to bring along any supporting documents that confirm the deceased’s identity and your own ID. Please note that you legally have five days to register the death, however, if the death has to be investigated by a coroner, this may take longer. 

Handle legal and financial responsibilities

When a loved one suddenly passes away, it can be overwhelming to consider all of the legal and financial responsibilities there now are to take care of. It’s important to inform any financial institutions of the death including banks, pension providers and insurance companies to freeze any accounts and prevent potential fraud. You will also need to inform any other relevant people besides friends and family such as employers, mortgage providers and doctors.

As the death was unexpected, there may be a chance that there is no will written out and it can be difficult to know what to do in regards to the deceased’s finances and belongings. If someone passes without a will, there are only certain people who are legally allowed to apply for probate to become an administrator, which will then allow them to be in control of the deceased’s estate. If you are the next of kin or were married to the deceased, you can easily apply for probate, or if you are another relative such as a child, grandchild or sibling, you can also apply to be an administrator to manage the handling of estates, belongings and inheritance.

Organise the funeral or memorial service

A sudden death can be an emotionally overwhelming time, especially when you now have to plan a funeral for your loved one unexpectedly. If there has been no funeral plan left behind in a will then it can be difficult to choose the type of funeral you wish to have and what to include throughout the service. We suggest getting together with other family members and close friends for support on creating a funeral that best celebrates the life of your loved one.

From choosing between a burial or cremation to considering the type of coffin, flowers, transport and the order of service, there are many aspects of the funeral that need to be considered. Your chosen funeral director will be able to support you during this time, offering guidance on what decisions to make and ensuring everything is taken care of. 

At Heart of England, we organise a meeting with yourself (and any other family members or friends you wish to be included) to help go through each element in a funeral and carefully put a plan in place for the service. This can be done in one of our funeral homes, or we can travel to you if this is more comfortable. If you’d like to learn more about our services and take the first steps to organising a funeral for your sudden loss, you can book an appointment online or call your local branch. 

Seek emotional support

The shock that can come from an unexpected death can create a lot of emotional distress that can be hard to deal with, especially when trying to organise a funeral and get affairs in order. Therefore it is important to lean on those close to you for emotional support during this time. Speaking with friends and family about what you’re going through can help you process your emotions and can also be a bonding opportunity for those feeling the same. You may also wish to seek bereavement support from a professional who is there to listen to how you feel and help you cope with all of the emotions you are feeling at this time.

Find out more about the bereavement support available to you at Heart of England.

Get help with the next steps following death at Heart of England

If you’re looking for further information on the next steps you need to take following the passing of a loved one, head over to our blog on ‘what to do when someone dies’ or get in touch with one of our friendly funeral directors. We’re here to help in any way we can to support you throughout this difficult time.