Sudden or violent death

The nature of sudden or violent death makes the reality of what has happened particularly difficult to accept and is likely to result in a desperate search for meaning and understanding.

The death is unexpected, unanticipated and unprepared for. Families often experience regrets over lost opportunities and unfulfilled intentions. They may feel they have been cheated out of an opportunity to say goodbye and be left with a sense of unfinished business.

Grief may be further complicated in circumstances where the family are unable to see the body of the person who has died.

In circumstances of sudden or violent death, the coroner will be involved and a post mortem examination may be necessary to establish the cause of death. Media attention may also be a factor, especially when a death is violent. This can be particularly distressing and intrusive to the family.