The sudden death of someone close to you can be extremely difficult to understand and accept. Unlike a death following illness or a period of declining health, an unexpected death can leave families feeling shocked, confused and unsure about what to do first.
During these initial hours, several professionals - including paramedics, the police, the local coroner, and your chosen funeral director - may be involved to ensure your loved one is cared for and the circumstances are properly understood.
At Hillier Funeral Service, our family is here to carry the weight for you. We will provide clear, compassionate guidance, liaise with authorities on your behalf, and support you through every stage at a pace you feel comfortable with.
Looking for broader context? If you need general advice on first steps for expected deaths or specific locations, please visit our main hub: What to Do When Someone Dies Hub.
A sudden or unexpected death is when a person passes away without warning or an immediate, clear medical cause. This can happen anywhere - at home, at work, in a public space, or while being transported to hospital.
Whatever the circumstances, the priority is always to contact the emergency services so that healthcare professionals can attend, assess the situation, and formally confirm the death.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Call 999: If someone collapses or dies suddenly, dial 999 immediately. The operator will give clear instructions and dispatch paramedics.
- Leave things as they are: Unless resuscitation is required, try not to move items in the immediate area until paramedics or attending officers have finished their assessment.
- Police attendance: Police officers frequently attend unexpected deaths on behalf of the coroner. Please do not feel alarmed by their presence - it is standard procedure for any uncertified death and does not imply suspicion or wrongdoing. They are simply gathering factual information.
Depending on where the death occurred, you may also find these specific scenario guides helpful:
- What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
- What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
- What to Do When Someone Dies in a Care Home
When a doctor cannot immediately certify the cause of death, the case is referred to the local coroner (in our region, the Wiltshire & Swindon Coroner’s Service).
The coroner’s role is simply a legal safeguard designed to establish the facts surrounding a death. A referral to the coroner usually happens if:
- The cause of death is unknown
- The death was sudden and unexpected
- The death may have resulted from an accident or injury
- There are concerns that require further investigation
- A doctor is legally unable to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
A Coroner’s Officer will contact you to explain what is happening in plain, supportive language. Our team works with the coroner’s office regularly and will liaise with them on your behalf so you are not left chasing updates yourself.
Will There Be a Post Mortem Examination?
If the cause of death remains unclear, the coroner may order a medical examination (post-mortem). You will be kept fully informed throughout this short process. Once completed, the coroner will release your loved one so they can be brought into our care.
Will There Be a Coroner’s Inquest?
Sometimes, an inquest may be required following an unexpected death.
If an inquest is opened, it is to establish the formal facts of an accident or unexpected event - who the person is, when and where they died, and how the death occurred. It is not the same as a criminal trial and does not seek to blame individuals.
If an inquest takes place, it can take some time to conclude, so funeral arrangements may need to wait until certain legal procedures have been completed.
Your funeral director can help you understand the possible timescales and provide support throughout this period.
However, the coroner can issue an Interim Death Certificate. This document allows you to start administering the estate and permits the funeral to take place without waiting for the final inquest hearing.
After a sudden death, arranging a funeral may feel like an additional challenge at an already difficult time. At Hillier Funeral Service, we provide practical assistance and emotional support, helping you understand what needs to happen next during this difficult time.
Bringing Your Loved One Into Our Care
You do not need to wait for coroner reviews or paperwork to finish before contacting us.
When you call Hillier Funeral Service, we will:
- Speak with the coroner's officers or hospital team to coordinate transfer paperwork.
- Bring your loved one into our care at one of our four local funeral homes - in Old Town Swindon, Rodbourne Cheney, Highworth, or Royal Wootton Bassett.
- Look after them safely and respectfully in our private Chapel of Rest until you feel ready to arrange the service.
Before a funeral can usually take place, the death must be legally registered. If the coroner is involved, the registration process may take longer because the necessary investigations must be completed first.
When the coroner’s review is complete, they will notify the local register office (such as the Swindon Register Office).
In some cases where the coroner issues the necessary paperwork directly to the registrar, the formal registration process is simplified for the family.
The registration process confirms important details about the person who has died and provides official documents that may be needed when dealing with financial and legal matters.
We can provide guidance on what documents are required and help you understand the next steps.
Need details on appointments or documents? For complete instructions on booking an appointment, documents required, and using the free Tell Us Once government service, visit our dedicated page:
Although a sudden loss gives families less time to prepare emotionally, we will give you all the time and space you need to create a personal farewell that reflects your loved one's life, values, and personality.
Whether you are considering a traditional burial or cremation, a service in our private Kingshill House Service Room, or a simple, unattended direct cremation, we will talk through every option clearly and without pressure.
If your loved one recorded their choices in advance through a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan or personal wishes document, please let us know so we can carry out their exact choices.
At Hillier Funeral Service, we understand that a sudden death can bring feelings of shock, uncertainty and distress. Our caring team is here to provide support and guidance whenever you need it.
We can help with:
Arranging the Care of Your Loved One
We work with the relevant authorities and provide support to ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.
Explaining the Funeral Process
We guide you through each stage of arranging a funeral, explaining your options and helping you make decisions at your own pace.
Creating a Personal Funeral Service
Every person has a unique story. We can help you create a funeral service that reflects the life, memories and wishes of your loved one.
Coping With the Shock of an Unexpected Death
Grief following an unexpected death can feel particularly challenging. We understand that everyone experiences loss differently and there is no correct way to grieve. Everyone responds to loss differently, and it is important to give yourself time and space to adjust.
We offer a Bereavement Care Service to support you through the difficult grieving process. This is provided as an extension to our commitment of care and is provided free of charge.
Practical & Legal Guidance (Probate Support)
Dealing with sudden administrative and legal tasks alongside shock can feel overwhelming. Beyond organising the funeral, you may need help administering your loved one’s estate or managing financial accounts.
To make this easier, we work in partnership with Laurelo, independent probate specialists who offer clear, compassionate guidance. Learn how they can assist your family on our Probate & Legal Support page.
Who should I call first if someone dies unexpectedly?
If someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly, you should contact emergency services by dialling 999. The call handler will talk you through immediate steps and dispatch paramedics.
Why does the Coroner need to be involved?
The Coroner may need to investigate when the cause or circumstances of death are unclear. Their role is to establish the facts and ensure the death is properly recorded.
Can I choose my own funeral director after a sudden death?
Yes, absolutely. You have complete freedom to choose whichever funeral director you feel most comfortable with. We will coordinate directly with the hospital or coroner's mortuary to arrange transfer into our care.
Can I start planning the funeral while the coroner is investigating?
Yes. While final dates cannot be confirmed until the coroner gives official release, we can sit down with you to discuss music, readings, coffin choices, and service types so that everything is ready when permission is granted.
A sudden and unexpected death brings immense shock, and families can face difficult emotions and unfamiliar procedures, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
As an independent, 4th-generation family business, Hillier Funeral Service has been supporting local families across Swindon, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett for over 100 years.
Our support continues long after the funeral service finishes. We offer free, in-house Bereavement Care - including local support groups and confidential one-to-one counseling - to help you and your family cope with the trauma and grief of an unexpected loss.
Please call our compassionate team anytime, day or night, on 01793 522797. We are here whenever you need us.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options further please give us a call on 01793 522797 or get in touch.