We recognize the profound impact of death on individuals and their families. We understand that navigating the loss of a loved one can be an incredibly difficult and sensitive experience. It is a reality that we all eventually face, and it often becomes even more challenging when it happens unexpectedly.
We extend our deepest sympathies and offer our sincere condolences for your loss. We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for you and your loved ones. Losing someone dear to us can bring forth a range of emotions and challenges.
When someone we love passes away, we face a lot of challenges and emotions as we cope with the loss. One of the first things we need to do is to notify the people who need to know. If the person died in a hospital or under medical care, the doctors and nurses will have a protocol for this. But if the person died at home, we need to call a reliable funeral director like WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors. They will help us plan the funeral service and take care of our loved one’s body. They will also assist us in contacting our family and friends, and arranging travel for those who live far away and want to attend the service. At WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we know how hard this time is and we are committed to giving you compassionate and professional support throughout.
Hiring a Funeral Directors
At WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we offer comprehensive services that include transporting the body and coordinating with the cemetery or crematorium. We also provide a range of options for services such as viewings, funerals, and memorials. Our aim is to cater to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a respectful and fitting tribute to your loved one. We’re here to support you during this challenging time.
Finding Estate Planning Documents
If our loved one had estate planning documents, we need to find them and check if they had any specific instructions or wishes. These documents may include a will or trust documents.
At WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we’re here to guide and support you during this difficult time, making sure that every step of the process is done with care and respect.
Your loved one will be treated like one of our own family…
The Private Ambulance pictured on the left is used primarily when discretion is desired to collect the deceased from the place of death. Despite the fact that they are unassuming, they are fully equipped to respond to a variety of situations.
Remember, it's important to take care of yourself during this time of grieving. Make sure to eat healthy meals, get plenty of rest, and take time to reflect on your loved one's life and legacy…
Sudden Death
In the event of a sudden death, the attending physician will provide a medical certificate stating the cause of death. This could be issued shortly after the death or the next morning, depending on the time of death and the doctor’s availability.
The deceased will then be transferred to the mortuary. The funeral director will coordinate with the mortuary staff to arrange for the deceased to be moved to the funeral home. You can reach out to WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors at any point following the death for guidance.
In cases of sudden or tragic deaths, the coroner will be involved. The deceased will be transported from the place of death by the coroner’s staff to the Regional City Mortuary. Here, an examination may be conducted to determine the cause of death. You can contact WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors for guidance at any time after the death. Please note that in such situations, the funeral may be postponed by a day or two due to the necessary examination.
What to do if someone dies abroad
When a loved one passes away overseas, it can be an especially difficult time due to the unfamiliar circumstances and interactions with unknown entities. However, UK authorities both at home and abroad are available to provide assistance.
If the deceased was travelling on an Irish passport, the Irish consulate or embassy in the country where the death occurred should be contacted. Additional information can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
If you learn about the death while you’re in the UK and the death has been reported to the British Consulate in the country where the person died, local police will inform the next of kin. If you learn about the death from another source, such as a tour operator, you should contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The FCDO staff in London will stay in contact with the family and the Consulate abroad until the deceased is either buried or cremated overseas, or until the body has been returned to the UK. They will also inform the British Consul of your funeral wishes and take details of who will be responsible for paying the associated costs.
If the person passed away while you were travelling with them, the British Consul will provide practical advice and help with funeral arrangements and other formalities. If the person died while on a package holiday, the tour operator can contact funeral directors and British Consular staff on your behalf.
The death will need to be registered according to the local regulations and a Death Certificate obtained. This can often also be done at the British Consulate. If the deceased was a serving member of the British armed forces, their commanding officer can also request the registration.
There are some countries where it’s not possible to register the death with the British authorities, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and several others.
If you wish to return the body to the UK, British Consular staff can assist by connecting you with an international funeral director. The body will need to be embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin before it can be transported. This process may take some time, especially if a post-mortem examination is required.
Before returning the body, you’ll need a certified English translation of the foreign death certificate and authorisation to remove the deceased’s body. When registering the death, you should provide information about yourself and the deceased, including their full name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the passport was issued, and details of the next of kin if you’re not their closest relative.
Kevin Bell Repatriation
We Can liaise with The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust Info who aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.
