When Someone Dies – What to Do and Who to Call

The death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult and emotional moments. Alongside grief, there are also important steps that need to be taken, often under pressure and at short notice. At WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we are here to make that process easier, offering calm guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.

No matter where your loved one has passed away — whether at home, in a hospital, in a care home, or unexpectedly while abroad — you can contact us at any time, day or night. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide immediate assistance, answer your questions, and begin making the necessary arrangements.

What to Do When a Death Occurs

  • If the death happens at home: Call your GP (or the out-of-hours doctor) to attend and confirm the death. Once confirmed, contact us directly. We will arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care and guide you through the next steps, gently and respectfully.

  • If the death happens in hospital: Hospital staff will provide immediate care and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You can contact us at any point, and we will liaise with the hospital to bring your loved one into our care.

  • If the death occurs in a nursing or care home: The staff will typically contact the GP to confirm the death and advise you when to contact us. We will arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one as soon as it is appropriate.

  • If the death was sudden or unexpected: In the case of a sudden or accidental death, the police and the coroner may need to be involved. You should still contact us as soon as possible, and we will work with all relevant authorities to ensure everything is handled respectfully and professionally.

Who Needs to Be Notified?

Once you have contacted us, we will help you understand who else should be informed. This may include:

  • The GP or hospital (if not already done)

  • The local Registrar (to legally register the death)

  • Family members and close friends

  • Employers, schools, or care providers

  • Solicitors or executors (especially if there is a will or pre-paid funeral plan)

  • Banks, insurance companies, utility providers, and government departments such as HMRC, DWP, and DVLA

We can also assist you with the Tell Us Once service, which notifies multiple government agencies in a single step.

Repatriation After a Death Abroad

The loss of a loved one abroad brings with it extra layers of complexity, paperwork, and emotional stress. We understand how overwhelming this can be. At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, we have extensive experience in international repatriation and can guide you through every stage of the process with sensitivity and professionalism.

What is Repatriation?

Repatriation is the process of bringing someone who has died overseas back to their home country. It involves documentation, working with foreign authorities, arranging transport, and meeting UK legal requirements. We will take care of all of this for you, ensuring your loved one is brought home with dignity and care.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT)

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is a Northern Ireland-based charity dedicated to helping families bring home loved ones who have died suddenly abroad. The Trust offers urgent financial and emotional support in tragic circumstances and has helped thousands of families across Ireland.

We are proud to work closely with KBRT and can assist with contacting them or applying for support on your behalf.

Contact Details:

  • Website: www.kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com

  • Phone: 028 3083 3311

  • Email: colin@kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com

  • Facebook & Twitter: @kevinbellrepatriationtrust

  • Hashtags: #raisingawareness #raisingfunds #KBRT

Your support by following and sharing their work helps raise awareness and funding.

Government Support (FCDO)

If your loved one has died abroad in a natural disaster, accident, or other unexpected circumstance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can also assist.

Their support includes:

  • Liaising with local authorities and British Embassies or Consulates

  • Explaining the legal process in that country

  • Helping with paperwork and documentation

  • Supporting with the return of your loved one to the UK

  • Providing language and logistical support where needed

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/after-a-death/death-abroad

Identification Requirements

You may be asked to assist with the identification process. This could involve providing:

  • A recent photograph

  • A physical description (height, scars, tattoos, etc.)

  • Contact details for your loved one’s GP or dentist

  • Fingerprint samples or personal items (e.g. toothbrush, hairbrush)

  • Travel documents or ID

The coroner or police may become involved depending on the situation.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting with Your Appointed Funeral Director

  • Duration & Format

    • Your initial consultation typically lasts around one and a half to two hours.

    • It can be held in person, over the phone, or at your home, depending on what works best for you.

  • Essential Information & Documentation

    • Be prepared to share full legal details of the deceased, such as full name, date and place of birth, and any identifying information.

    • Bring any relevant paperwork, including birth or marriage certificates, wills, pre-arranged funeral documents, insurance details, or military discharge papers.

    • If available, details like occupation, hobbies, and club or church affiliations help personalise the service. (Funeral Basics)

  • Decisions & Personalisation

    • You’ll discuss and decide on key elements, including burial or cremation, the location of the service, type of ceremony (religious, humanist, or civil), and who will lead the service.

    • Choose personal touches such as music, readings, floral arrangements, photographs, casket or urn style, and any special tributes you’d like included.

  • Administrative & Legal Support

    • Your director will outline who handles what—from registering the death, issuing the death certificate, to liaising with clergy, venues, or crematoria. They’ll explain your responsibilities clearly.

  • You’re Not Expected to Know Everything

    • It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers—your funeral director will walk you through your choices and options. You’re free to change your mind at any point before the funeral.

Why We Do This
This meeting is about crafting a respectful, meaningful final tribute. It’s a moment to share memories, define how you’d like to honour your loved one, and begin a healing process through shared details and thoughtful planning.

Call Us First – We'll Handle the Rest

If you receive news of a death abroad, you do not have to go through it alone. Call WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors first. We will act immediately, coordinate with the authorities, work alongside the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the FCDO, and manage every detail to bring your loved one home safely and with honour.

Our team is available 24/7 to support you and your family during this most difficult time.

You Are Not Alone

At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, our mission is to ensure that every family is supported with kindness and dignity, whether your loved one has passed at home or far from it. With professional guidance, practical help, and genuine care, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.

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…