Someone Has Just Died
This section of Go With Grace supports you to better understand what to expect depending on the circumstances in which a loved one has died. Information is relevant to New Zealand law and investigation processes with links to government websites when further details are required.
Click on the images below to browse information on topics from sudden death to police investigations to suicide and overseas deaths..
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What happens after a sudden death?
A doctor or emergency services will be the first to respond to a sudden or unexpected death. If the family is not already with the person who has died, the police will let them know as soon as possible.
If it looks as if the death cannot be explained by the medical professionals on hand, the police are required by law to investigate the cause of what happened. The coroner will then be called, and they might order a post-mortem examination.
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