When Death Occurs
Unexpected Death
Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult things any of us will face. When that death happens unexpectedly, there can be even more uncertainty, confusion, and questions. You do not need to navigate those first steps alone.
What to do first
Please call us when you are able. Even if police, paramedics, victim services, hospital staff, or the coroner are involved, Haskett Funeral Homes can help you understand what may happen next.
In an unexpected death, there are often more questions than answers at the beginning. We will not pretend to have every answer right away, but we do understand the process and can usually help explain when more information may become available.
There is no obligation to make arrangements immediately. You do not need to know about service details, cremation or burial, clergy, cemetery arrangements, paperwork, clothing, photos, or anything else before reaching out.
Sometimes the best first step is simply speaking with someone who understands the process and can help you feel a little less alone in it.
What happens next
Others may be involved first
When a death is unexpected, police, paramedics, victim services, the coroner, or hospital staff may be involved before a funeral home is able to assist directly. This can feel overwhelming, but it is a common part of the process.
There may be a further examination
In many unexpected deaths, an autopsy or postmortem examination may be required. This does not happen in every situation, but it is common when more information is needed.
Timelines may be less predictable
These examinations usually take place in hospital settings and are limited to certain locations. Timing can vary depending on the circumstances and the process involved.
We can help once we are in the loop
If we are part of the conversation early, we can often help families better understand timelines, next steps, and what to expect.
Understanding the process
Our team is one of the few funeral homes in the area approved and able to work on behalf of the Chief Coroner of Ontario. In some circumstances, if a death occurs within one of the communities we serve, our team may be asked to assist with transportation from the place of death to the location where further examination will take place.
That work is arranged through the Chief Coroner of Ontario and usually involves very little family involvement at the beginning. We understand that can feel difficult, especially when families want to know where their loved one is, what is happening, and when they will be able to make decisions.
Once the required examination or process is complete, the family can begin making decisions. At that point, we can help bring your loved one into our care and begin talking with you about arrangements when you are ready.
If we are aware of the situation, we may be able to help explain where things stand, what timelines may look like, and what steps may come next. Sometimes timelines are clear. Other times, they are not. Either way, we will help as much as we can.
Helpful notes
The involvement of police, paramedics, victim services, or the coroner does not necessarily mean anything suspicious has happened. Many unexpected deaths require additional steps simply because the death was sudden or the circumstances are not yet fully understood.
There may be periods where nobody seems to have immediate answers. That can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting, but it is also very common in these situations.
You may receive information from several different people in the first hours after an unexpected death. If you are unsure what something means, or what you should do next, please call us. We are happy to help explain what we can.
There is no perfect way to navigate these first few hours. We will help you take things one step at a time.
Common questions
Does police or coroner involvement mean something suspicious happened?
Not necessarily. Many unexpected deaths require involvement from the coroner simply because the death was sudden, unattended, or the circumstances are unclear. Their involvement is often part of determining what happened and what steps are required next.
Will there always be an autopsy?
No. An autopsy or postmortem examination is not required in every unexpected death, but it is common in some circumstances. The decision is made through the appropriate authorities, not by the funeral home or the family.
Can Haskett Funeral Homes help before the examination is complete?
Yes. Even if we cannot bring your loved one into our care immediately, we can still speak with you, explain what we know, and help you understand what may happen next.
When can we start making arrangements?
You can contact us at any time. Some decisions may need to wait until the required process is complete, but we can begin discussing general next steps whenever your family feels ready.
Will we know where our loved one is?
In many cases, we can help explain where your loved one has been taken or where the examination may occur, depending on what information has been made available. Sometimes that information comes quickly, and sometimes it takes longer.
What if victim services, police, or neighbours are helping us?
Those supports can be very helpful in the first moments. You are still welcome to call us directly. There is no obligation, and we are happy to provide whatever guidance we can.
What happens after the examination is complete?
Once your loved one is able to be released, we can bring them into our care and begin working with your family on the next steps. Typically, we will arrange a meeting or speak by telephone when you are ready.
Related information
You can return to our main When Death Occurs page or contact us directly at any time.
You are not alone in this
Unexpected death can leave families feeling overwhelmed, lost, and unsure of what to do. Please call us when you are able. We may not have every answer immediately, but we can help you understand the process and take the next step when the time is right.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).