What happens in the event of a sudden or unexpected death


No matter the time or circumstance, the loss of a loved one is difficult and overwhelming.  
 

When a death occurs that is sudden or unexpected, the emotional toll can be devastating.  In this time, a number of important decisions need to be made that families are often unaware of.

When a sudden, unexpected, or suspicious death occurs  (i.e. a vehicle accident, sudden heart attack, etc.) it falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s office. 

They are representatives for the government of Alberta and are responsible for determining the time, cause, and manner of death.
 

Depending on their findings at the scene of the death, they will either bring the deceased to their office in Calgary or Edmonton to conduct further investigation and tests, or they will release the deceased to a funeral home acting as a transfer agent on their behalf.

At this point, the family is contacted by the Police or the Medical Examiner. 

They are made aware of the death and then informed they must decide which funeral home they would like to take care of arrangements.

Regardless of which funeral home performed the initial transfer the family is free to decide which funeral home they wish to make arrangements with.  

There is no additional cost to the family and the necessary paperwork and transfer will be handled by the funeral home.

If you have any questions or concerns about this information, don’t hesitate to contact us.