Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 25th November 2025
Margaret Verschuur
This article is summarized from “A Practical Guide for the Worst Day of Your Life” written by Christa Ovenell, Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning.
I hope you never need the information in this article. But if you’re reading it in the midst of a loss — or preparing yourself just in case — I want you to have a steadying point in a moment when nothing feels steady.
An unexpected death is one of the most destabilizing experiences a person can face. Even when loss is anticipated, the first hours and days can be foggy and disorienting. But when death comes suddenly, the chaos can feel surreal. Everything seems urgent and impossible at once. Time warps. You may forget what you’ve been told, or even how to breathe.
Knowing a few practical things ahead of time can help you navigate that fog.
What Counts as “Unexpected”
Any death without warning — accidents, suicide, homicide, or sudden natural causes — is considered unexpected. Even an elderly person who dies without signs of decline the day before is included. In all unexpected deaths, the coroner must be involved.
What Happens First
An RCMP officer will attend the scene and act as the coroner’s eyes on the ground. The coroner will consult with the officer and decide whether they need to come in person. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may be brief or more detailed. If you were not present at the time of death, uniformed officers will usually be the ones to notify you — often before many details are known.
You will likely be in shock. Call someone immediately: a friend, neighbour, or relative who can help you make sense of what’s happening and care for the basics like meals, pets, and children.
If further examination is needed, your person will be taken to a morgue. Otherwise, the case may close quickly and the body can be released to the family or a funeral home. You will receive a coroner’s file number (and often a police file number). Keep these, and ensure you have contact information for both offices.
If investigators don’t yet know where your person has been taken, follow up later. It helps to know where they are.
If the body is taken to a morgue, the period before the coroner “releases” the body usually takes about a week. During this time, your loved one is sheltered, safe, and cared for only by authorized staff. You cannot visit them yet, but they are treated with respect.
If the death occurred in a place considered a potential crime scene, access may be restricted. Weekends and holidays can slow administrative steps, but the investigation continues around the clock.
There is no need to rush. You will not be making funeral decisions for several days. Friends can help gather things that will eventually be needed — clothing, identification, and key documents.
During the Coroner’s Investigation
The coroner may order an autopsy or other tests. They have legal authority to do so even if the family objects. After the investigation, the coroner releases the body and issues an interim coroner’s certificate of death. Final reports can take months or longer.
When the Body Is Released
Once the coroner issues the interim medical certificate, the death can be registered and you can obtain a death certificate. You’ll need this later for estate matters, but there is no urgency — acting too quickly can lead to mistakes.
Until release, there are no costs; the coroner covers transport and shelter. After release, funeral home fees begin.
Ceremonial Options
All ceremonial choices remain open after an unexpected death. The body is almost always viewable, and a final viewing may be meaningful. You may choose a large or small gathering, an open or closed casket, or even a home funeral (often requires embalming). Even if you skip a formal service, some form of ceremony is important for healing.
As Time Goes On
Once logistics settle, the emotional reality may begin to surface. Reach out for help early; the path ahead is long, and support matters.
Estate tasks, insurance claims, and account closures vary by region, but professionals — funeral directors, lawyers, accountants, and death doulas — can guide you through each step.
I truly hope you never need this information. But I’m grateful you have it, just in case you do.
Written by Christa Ovenell, summarized by Margaret Verschuur.
I hope you never need the information in this article. But if you’re reading it in the midst of a loss — or preparing yourself just in case — I want you to have a steadying point in a moment when nothing feels steady.
An unexpected death is one of the most destabilizing experiences a person can face. Even when loss is anticipated, the first hours and days can be foggy and disorienting. But when death comes suddenly, the chaos can feel surreal. Everything seems urgent and impossible at once. Time warps. You may forget what you’ve been told, or even how to breathe.
Knowing a few practical things ahead of time can help you navigate that fog.
What Counts as “Unexpected”
Any death without warning — accidents, suicide, homicide, or sudden natural causes — is considered unexpected. Even an elderly person who dies without signs of decline the day before is included. In all unexpected deaths, the coroner must be involved.
What Happens First
An RCMP officer will attend the scene and act as the coroner’s eyes on the ground. The coroner will consult with the officer and decide whether they need to come in person. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may be brief or more detailed. If you were not present at the time of death, uniformed officers will usually be the ones to notify you — often before many details are known.
You will likely be in shock. Call someone immediately: a friend, neighbour, or relative who can help you make sense of what’s happening and care for the basics like meals, pets, and children.
If further examination is needed, your person will be taken to a morgue. Otherwise, the case may close quickly and the body can be released to the family or a funeral home. You will receive a coroner’s file number (and often a police file number). Keep these, and ensure you have contact information for both offices.
If investigators don’t yet know where your person has been taken, follow up later. It helps to know where they are.
If the body is taken to a morgue, the period before the coroner “releases” the body usually takes about a week. During this time, your loved one is sheltered, safe, and cared for only by authorized staff. You cannot visit them yet, but they are treated with respect.
If the death occurred in a place considered a potential crime scene, access may be restricted. Weekends and holidays can slow administrative steps, but the investigation continues around the clock.
There is no need to rush. You will not be making funeral decisions for several days. Friends can help gather things that will eventually be needed — clothing, identification, and key documents.
During the Coroner’s Investigation
The coroner may order an autopsy or other tests. They have legal authority to do so even if the family objects. After the investigation, the coroner releases the body and issues an interim coroner’s certificate of death. Final reports can take months or longer.
When the Body Is Released
Once the coroner issues the interim medical certificate, the death can be registered and you can obtain a death certificate. You’ll need this later for estate matters, but there is no urgency — acting too quickly can lead to mistakes.
Until release, there are no costs; the coroner covers transport and shelter. After release, funeral home fees begin.
Ceremonial Options
All ceremonial choices remain open after an unexpected death. The body is almost always viewable, and a final viewing may be meaningful. You may choose a large or small gathering, an open or closed casket, or even a home funeral (often requires embalming). Even if you skip a formal service, some form of ceremony is important for healing.
As Time Goes On
Once logistics settle, the emotional reality may begin to surface. Reach out for help early; the path ahead is long, and support matters.
Estate tasks, insurance claims, and account closures vary by region, but professionals — funeral directors, lawyers, accountants, and death doulas — can guide you through each step.
I truly hope you never need this information. But I’m grateful you have it, just in case you do.
Written by Christa Ovenell, summarized by Margaret Verschuur.