What to do in the first hours after a death

The first hours after a death are often the most confusing. There may be shock, unanswered questions and pressure from relatives to start making funeral arrangements immediately.

You do not have to organise everything at once.

The first task is simply to understand what has happened and what needs to happen next.

1. Confirm the death

If the person dies in hospital, the medical team will confirm the death and begin the necessary documentation.

If the person dies at home after a known illness, contact the doctor or healthcare professional who had been treating them and ask what procedure should be followed.

If the death is sudden, unexplained, accidental, violent or suspicious, contact the police and relevant medical authorities. Do not move the body unnecessarily, as an official investigation or post-mortem may be required.

2. Inform the immediate family first

Before posting anything on WhatsApp or social media, make sure the closest relatives have been told personally.

Choose one calm family member to help communicate with the hospital, mortuary, police, funeral home and wider family.

Too many people giving different instructions can quickly create confusion.

3. Arrange transfer to a mortuary

Once the body is legally cleared for movement, choose a mortuary and arrange transport.

Ask about:

• admission charges
• daily storage fees
• preservation or embalming
• viewing arrangements
• documents required for release

If the family already knows which funeral home it intends to use, the funeral director can help coordinate this step.

4. Gather basic identification

Locate the deceased person's ID, passport or other identification where available.

Also keep the identification of the next of kin or family representative close, as it may be required during registration and mortuary procedures.

5. Do not rush major decisions

You do not need to choose the casket, flowers, hearse and catering in the first few hours.

First establish:

Where is the deceased?
Is the body cleared for release?
Where is the burial likely to take place?
Who will make decisions for the family?

The rest can follow.

6. Begin the legal process

The death will need to be registered and the appropriate burial or cremation permit obtained before the final disposition.

If the circumstances of death require police or medical investigation, allow that process to be completed before fixing arrangements that depend on release of the body.

One thing to remember

The first night after a death is not the night to solve the entire funeral.

Take the next necessary step, then the next one.

A good funeral team should help reduce the number of decisions the family has to carry at once.

Need help with what comes next?

Executive Funeral Services can guide your family from the first call through the funeral arrangements and final journey.

📞 0798 994 015, available 24/7
🌐 executivefunerals.co.ke
💜 Dignity in death. Compassion in grief. Hope beyond the grave.