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When Someone Dies – What To Do and Who To Call

The death of a loved one is one of life’s most painful and overwhelming moments. Alongside the grief and shock, there are also important steps that must be taken, often at short notice.

At WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we are here to make that process easier. With calm guidance and compassionate support, we ensure families in Northern Ireland are never left to face it alone.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether your loved one has passed away at home, in hospital, in a care home, or unexpectedly abroad, you can contact us straight away. We will provide immediate assistance 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 confirm the death.

  • Once confirmation is given, contact us directly.

  • We will arrange to bring your loved one into our care and explain the next steps with dignity and sensitivity.

If the death happens in hospital

  • The hospital staff will provide immediate care and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

  • You can contact us at any time. We will liaise with the hospital and make arrangements for your loved one to be transferred into our care.

If the death occurs in a nursing or care home

  • Staff will usually contact the GP to confirm the death.

  • Once this has been done, they will advise you when to call us.

  • We will then arrange the transfer of your loved one with respect and care.

If the death was sudden or unexpected

  • In the event of a sudden or accidental death, the police and coroner may need to be involved.

  • You should still contact us as soon as possible. We will work closely with the authorities to ensure everything is handled appropriately and with dignity.

Who Needs To Be Notified

After contacting us, there are a number of people and organisations who may also need to be informed:

  • GP or hospital staff (if not already done)

  • The local Registrar (to legally register the death)

  • Immediate family and close friends

  • Employers, schools, or care providers

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

  • Banks, insurance companies, and utility providers

  • Government departments such as HMRC, DWP, and DVLA

We can help you with the Tell Us Once service, which notifies multiple government agencies in one step.

Repatriation After a Death Abroad

The death of a loved one overseas can be especially distressing. Along with grief, families face added layers of paperwork, communication with foreign authorities, and complex arrangements.

At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, we have many years of experience in international repatriation. We will guide you through the process with professionalism and compassion, ensuring your loved one is returned home with care and dignity.

What is repatriation?

Repatriation is the process of bringing someone who has died abroad back to their home country. It involves:

  • Securing the correct documentation

  • Liaising with foreign authorities

  • Arranging safe transport

  • Meeting UK legal requirements

We take care of all of this on your behalf.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT)

Based in Northern Ireland, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is a charity that helps families bring loved ones home after sudden deaths abroad. They provide urgent financial and emotional support, and have helped thousands of families across Ireland.

We work closely with KBRT and can assist you in contacting them or applying for support.

Contact KBRT

Government Support – FCDO

If your loved one dies abroad, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) may also provide support. This can include:

  • Liaising with local authorities and embassies

  • Explaining legal processes overseas

  • Helping with paperwork and documentation

  • Supporting transport back to the UK

  • Providing language and logistical assistance

More information is available at: www.gov.uk/after-a-death/death-abroad

Identification Requirements

In some cases, families may be asked to assist with identification. This could involve providing:

  • A recent photograph

  • A physical description (height, scars, tattoos)

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

  • Fingerprint samples or personal belongings (such as a toothbrush or hairbrush)

  • Travel documents or ID

If required, we will guide you through this process step by step.

Your First Meeting With a Funeral Director

Duration and format

Your first consultation usually lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. This can take place at our office, over the phone, or in your own home — whichever feels most comfortable.

Information to bring

You may need to provide:

  • Full legal details of the deceased (name, date and place of birth)

  • Relevant paperwork (certificates, wills, funeral plans, insurance details)

  • Details of occupation, hobbies, or church/community affiliations (to help personalise the service)

Decisions to make

We will discuss:

  • Burial or cremation

  • Service location and format (religious, humanist, or civil)

  • Music, readings, flowers, photographs, and personal tributes

  • Type of coffin or urn

  • Who will lead the service

Administrative support

We will clearly explain what is required, from registering the death and obtaining certificates to liaising with clergy, crematoria, or cemeteries.

You are not expected to know everything — we will guide you throughout.

Why We Do This

This first meeting is not only about making arrangements. It is about telling your loved one’s story and creating a meaningful farewell. It allows you to share memories and shape a service that reflects the life lived.

Our role is to provide clarity, carry the practical burdens, and help you find comfort in the knowledge that everything is being handled with care and dignity.

Call Us First – We Will Handle The Rest

If you lose a loved one, whether at home, in Northern Ireland, or abroad, you do not have to go through it alone. Call WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors first.

We will respond immediately, liaise with all necessary authorities, work alongside trusted organisations such as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the FCDO, and manage every detail.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to support you and your family.

You Are Not Alone

At WJ O’Donnell & Sons, we are more than Funeral Directors. We are a family-run team who have also known the pain of losing loved ones. That experience makes us deeply committed to serving others with kindness, dignity, and compassion.

No matter the circumstance, we will walk beside you — offering professional guidance, practical help, and heartfelt support every step of the way.

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…

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.