When Death Occurs
When Death Occurs: What to Do Next, what to Expect and How to Move Through It
The moments after a death can feel overwhelming. Shock, grief, and uncertainty can create a sense of urgency—like something must happen right away.
But it’s important to know: Death is not an Emergency, you are allowed to slow down. Take a breath. Be present. Allow space for silence. Many families find comfort in using this time to sit with their loved one, hold a hand, fix their hair, or simply remain close until the next steps are taken.
What happens next often depends on where the death has occurred.
.
Unexpected Death
If someone dies unexpectedly, call 9-1-1. Police will arrive to assess the situation and determine whether they need to engage the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). If it is determined the Medical Examiner does not need to be involved, you will be asked to contact a funeral home.
At Pine Box Funerals, we will dispatch staff right away—usually arriving within 1 to 4 hours (sometimes longer if there are unusual circumstances). Contact Us
A moment to slow down: If your loved one is not required to be transferred to the Medical Examiners Office, you may take time before calling Pine Box Funerals. This is often a chance to sit with them, touch their hand, or simply be still until you feel ready.
Expected Death at Home
If death at home was expected, a physician or nurse practitioner may have provided an “Expected Death in the Home” form. (Please link The form here) This form is valid for three months and allows the funeral home to be called directly, without having to call 911.
Some families call right away. Others take a few hours—or even a couple of days—to prepare themselves and say goodbye. Both choices are completely valid.
A moment to slow down: There is no legal requirement to transfer your loved one immediately. Call when you feel ready. Once contacted, our staff will usually arrive within 1 to 4 hours.
If Death Happens in Long-Term Care or Assisted Living
Most long-term care facilities are not connected to hospitals, which means they do not have morgues. In this case, staff will ask the family to contact a funeral home to come and receive their loved one.
A moment to slow down: Ask the facility staff about their policy. Some allow families to spend extra time together, while others may need the body moved more quickly—especially if it is a shared room. If time is available, you might choose to bathe or dress your loved one, take a lock of hair, hold their hand, or share a song or prayer.
If Death Happens in Hospital
Hospitals often need patient rooms available quickly, and staff may need to complete paperwork and other tasks before a release. For these reasons, the body is usually transferred to the hospital morgue shortly after death.
It is sometimes possible to arrange transfer directly from the ward into the funeral home’s care, but this must be coordinated rather quickly with both hospital staff and the funeral home.
A moment to slow down: Even in a hospital, you can ask for a little extra time. It may only be brief, but remember—it is your only opportunity to be with your loved one in that space. If you wish to spend more time with your loved one and it’s not possible at the hospital, rest assured you can see them again at the Funeral Home if you wish.
Next Steps:
One of the first things a funeral home will ask is: “Who is the legal representative?”
This matters because only the person with legal authority can give permission for funeral arrangements to move forward. If it isn’t immediately clear who that person is, it may cause delays.
Under the Alberta Funeral Services Act – General Regulation (Section 36), the order of priority for who may act as the legal representative is:
The personal representative named in the deceased’s Will
The spouse or adult interdependent partner, if living with the deceased at the time of death
An adult child of the deceased
A parent of the decease
A guardian of the deceased under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act or, if the deceased was a minor, under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act or the Family Law Act
An adult grandchild
An adult brother or sister
An adult niece or nephew
An adult next of kin, as defined in sections 67 and 68 of the Wills and Succession Act
The Public Trustee
An adult who had a close personal relationship with the deceased (not based on family or marriage)
The Minister of Human Services
It is also important to remember that Power of Attorney ends at the moment of death. If there is no Will, or if the named executor is unable or unwilling to act, responsibility automatically passes to the next person in the above order.
While the legal representative must be present to make funeral arrangements, it can be helpful for other close family members to join the conversation. Many families find comfort in sharing the responsibility of decision-making during this time.
What Information You’ll Need:
Your Funeral Diretor will be require the following infomationwithin 24 hours of the Death. You can provide this information at our in-person conference, or you can enter this information securely here at anytime (Input online portal link)
Full legal name of deceased (including Maiden Name where applicable)
Current address
Marital status (married, divorced, never married)
Date and place of birth
Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
Parents’ places of birth (Country and Province and City when known)
Spouse’s name, including Spouse’s maiden name where applicable. (in the event of Divorce the ex-spouse’s name is still required)
Occupation and Industry
Social Insurance Number
Health Care Number
Driver’s Licence Number
Providing this information helps us ensure that everything is filed correctly and without delay.
What’s Next
Next
Letting Family and Friends Know
Begin by reaching out to your closest family members first.
You may want to ask a few trusted relatives or friends to help notify others. This prevents loved ones from hearing the news through social media or less personal channels.
Securing Property and Belongings
Be sure your loved one’s home, vehicle, and valuables are safe and locked.
Collect mail and safeguard personal documents to protect against identity theft. Families in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, and Edmonton often find this step helps create peace of mind in the days immediately following a death.
Caring for Pets
If the deceased had pets, arrange for their care as soon as possible. Animals also feel the loss of routine and companionship, and ensuring they are placed in a safe, loving environment will ease their adjustment.
Giving Yourself Space and Support
The first days after a death can bring shock, numbness, and overwhelming grief.
Allow yourself to slow down—pause, take a deep breath, and simply be present.
Lean on family, friends, and your wider community. Accept help with daily tasks, meals, or phone calls when it’s offered. Families in Greater Edmonton often tell us these small acts of support made all the difference.
