This is a chapter of the workbook Gone too Soon: Navigating grief and loss as a result of substance use.
There are several practical matters which must be attended to when a loved one dies, some specific to an overdose death. Some or all of these may need to be dealt with, depending on the circumstances and your relationship to the person who died. The following sections won't answer all of your questions, but will give you an overview of the tasks that may need to be done in the days and weeks after a loved one dies.
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Police
Police investigations run parallel to coroner investigations, meaning that the coroner's death investigation is separate from any investigation that police may pursue.
You may or may not find yourself having much interaction with the police. Some people who have lost a loved one due to drug-related harms find themselves very frustrated with the police and the amount of information they are given. It can be hard to get information from the police, due to the slow speed at which many investigations move, officer workloads, shiftwork schedules, and, unfortunately, due to the police being inundated with similar deaths during the opioid overdose crisis.
If you are working with one, the victim services worker may be able to help you get information. Otherwise, you can call the non-emergency line of the municipality in which the death occurred, giving the police file number, and asking to be put through to the investigating officer. If you haven't been given a police file number, you should be able to get it by phoning the non-emergency line or asking the victim services worker, if you are working with one.
Some people who were at the scene of the death have unfortunately experienced the police preventing them from seeing the body of their loved one until the coroner comes. While this can be very painful, it may be helpful to know that the police were following protocol which requires preserving the scene until the coroner comes in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
Coroner
The coroner is responsible for investigating all sudden, unnatural, unexplained, and unattended deaths. This includes overdose deaths.
The coroner is responsible for determining the identity of the person who died; when, where, how and by what means they died. The Coroner is also responsible for classifying the death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined); and making recommendations where necessary in order to improve public safety and prevent similar deaths in the future.
Coroners are authorized, by the Coroner’s Act, to take possession of the deceased person's body in order to conduct any necessary examinations in order to determine who died; and when, where, how and by what means the person died. They are also authorized to enter and inspect spaces believed to be relevant to the death and to inspect, copy, and seize records relating to the deceased person or the circumstances of their death.
Unfortunately, coroners' investigations often take many months to complete. This is often due to the time needed to gather and analyze relevant information, such as reports from external agencies (like toxicology and pathology).
The majority of overdose deaths will conclude with a Coroner's Report, which will include the identity of the person who died; when, where, how and by what means they died; the classification of death; and possibly recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future. Coroner’s Reports are considered public documents, which means that anyone can request a copy as long as they are able to provide the name of the deceased person.
If you have questions regarding your loved one's death investigation and aren't sure who to speak with, you can contact the Regional Office where the death occurred and ask to be connected to the investigating coroner. For more information, including how to contact the Regional Offices or request a copy of a Coroner’s Report, visit the BC Coroners Service website at www.gov.bc.ca/coroners.
Death certificate
A death certificate will be issued by the Vital Statistics Agency. It is used to provide proof of death, for example, when cancelling a CareCard or driver's license or to settle insurance. It will be sent to the funeral home to be given to the family. If you need additional or replacement copies they can be ordered directly through the Vital Statistics Agency.
Social assistance for burial
If the family can't afford death care costs, the British Columbia Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction can help. They offer financial assistance, regardless of whether the person who died was receiving income or disability assistance or not. The legal representative (usually the closest relative, for example, a spouse, adult child, or parent) can apply for the funeral cost supplement, or the death care provider (for example, funeral home) can make a referral.
Applications can be made by phone at 1-866-866-0800. More information can be found online at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/funeral-costs. The legal representative should hear back from a Ministry worker within 24 business hours of them receiving the application. The legal representative may have to provide bank statements to prove financial need.
If the person who died is a First Nations person who usually lives on reserve, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada can provide assistance to the legal representative with death care planning and managing the deceased’s estate. More information can be found here: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032357/1100100032361#chp3.
If the person who died is a current serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, you may be able to get financial assistance for death care services. More information can be found online here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-benefits-ill-injured-deceased/guide.page#funeral. Additional information on policies, services, and resources can be found through the Military Family Resource Centre: http://www.cafconnection.ca/National/Programs-Services/ For-Families-of-the-Fallen/Shoulder-to-Shoulder.aspx or 604-225-2520, ext. 2518.
If the person who died is a veteran, the Last Post Fund ensures that eligible veterans receive dignified death care services. More information can be found at http://www.lastpostfund.ca/EN/funeral.php or 1-800-465-7113.
Death announcements
Death announcements inform people of the passing of your loved one and any plans for a funeral or other memorial service. Death announcements are often shared in local newspapers. They may also be used to inform family and friends of the passing of your loved one. Often, death announcements sent to friends and family are more informal and may include more information than what would be published in a newspaper. Many people find it helpful to include in the death announcement how their loved one died. Including that your loved one died due to drug-related harms can help prevent rumours from spreading and prevent a feeling of needing to keep secrets. Being open about how your loved one died can also help dismantle the stigma associated with addiction.
If you are working with a funeral provider, they can help you with the preparation and placing of an obituary. An example obituary follows:
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son, Joe Smith, on August 1, 2018 in Vancouver, B.C. Born on February 1st, 1991, Joe was just 27 years old when he died. Joe is survived by his mother, An Nguyen, his father John Smith, his partner Neha Singh, his brother, Tyler, his niece Janie and nephew Travis, many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends.
Joe struggled with substance use disorder for several years after being medicated for a sports injury. Joe died from an accidental drug overdose. He was very committed to the need for recovery, and entered treatment several times.
Joe was an avid hockey player, skateboarder, and snowboarder. He worked as a welder and was admired by his colleagues for his skills and work ethic. Joe was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews for his ability to be the silliest adult in the room. He loved animals, especially his dog Buddy who would race beside him at the skate park.
We will remember Joe for the loving and warm person he was. He will always live in our hearts and memories as a bright light. He will be forever missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Ocean View Memorial Chapel on May 18th, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Joe’s name to Sports Across Borders.
Tips for writing an obituary:
Give birth and death dates.
Name close relatives.
Consider describing the passing as sudden and accidental (if appropriate)
Describing the circumstances of your loved one’s passing is an opportunity to dismantle the stigma associated with addiction and prevent rumours. Options include:
Struggled with substance use disorder
Experimented with drugs and inadvertently consumed a toxic drug
Inadvertently consumed a toxic drug
You may choose to name fentanyl, if it was a cause of your loved one's passing
Include your loved one's story, including accessing treatment and/or wanting to attain recovery
You may wish to include barriers your loved one faced, including being unable to access the services they needed
Describe your loved one and what will be missed, for example, that they were loving, skilled, compassionate, artistic, or any other characteristics and trait you would like them to be remembered as
Have a family member or close friend check your writing for facts and grammar before submitting it to newspapers, community or church bulletin, Facebook, or any other places
Make sure that relatives and close friends are informed of the passing before publishing the obituary
Planning a funeral
Death care planning is incredibly personal and involves making decisions about how and where to lay the deceased to rest, as well as practical considerations such as cost and types of services. Costs will vary considerably, depending on what choices you make. Decisions for funerals and death care should be informed by your needs, your religious beliefs and customs, and personal desires for how to remember and celebrate the life of the loved one you have lost. Depending on your customs and wishes, someone close to the deceased may want to deliver a eulogy. If this is the case, it may be helpful to have a friend help write it. More information on planning a funeral, the costs associated, and a directory of service providers can be found in the "For the Public" section of http://www.bcfunerals.com/.
A eulogy is a speech or written tribute to a loved one, often given at funerals and other types of memorials. Eulogies are often given by family members, friends, or clergy, depending on religious customs and the wishes of the deceased person (if known) or the family. In many cases it will be quite obvious who should give a eulogy (a close sibling or best friend, for example), in other cases, there may be multiple people who would like to speak. Depending on religious customs, multiple speakers is fine. For those who were very close to the deceased (for example, a romantic partner), giving a eulogy may be too difficult and another person may be a better candidate. When writing a eulogy, try to keep it brief (between 2 and 5 minutes). Make it personal, sharing stories and things you loved about the person who passed. Keep your eulogy positive, while also sharing and recognizing your loved one's humanity—you don't have to share an idealized version of your loved one.
Important notifications
There are several services, organizations, and people who will need to be notified of the passing of your loved one. Notifications should be made within the first 24-48 hours to the following:
Employer and/or school
Landlord (if they rented housing)
Most of these notifications don't need to be done immediately and can wait until you’re able. You can also have someone else make these phone calls if you're not feeling up to it. These include:
Bank—in order to close their accounts
Pension Plan
Medical Service Plan (MSP)
ICBC (driver’s license or BC ID card)
Vehicle registration and insurance
Passport Canada
Clubs, organizations, and churches
Credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion)
Taking bereavement leave
Under the Canada Labour Code, everyone is entitled to bereavement leave when a member of their immediate family dies. Unionized employees may have access to additional benefits as outlined in their collective agreement.
For the purposes of bereavement leave, the following are included in "immediate family:"
Spouse or common-law partner
Father and mother (and their spouse or common-law partner)
Children
Children of the spouse or common-law partner
Grandchildren
Brothers and sisters
Grandmother and grandfather
Father and mother of the spouse or common-law partner (and their spouse or common-law partner)
Any relative who lived with the person who died
If the person who died was a member of your immediate family, you are entitled to leave work on any normal working day within three days of the death and receive pay, as long as you have been continuously employed for three consecutive months. If you haven't been at that job for three straight months, you are entitled to leave work without pay. The maximum number of days of bereavement leave you are entitled to is three.
Executing a will
An executor is a person or company named in a will who is tasked with ensuring the directions in the will are completed. This includes gathering any assets, paying any debts, and dividing what remains among the beneficiaries (the people named in the will to inherit the estate).
Although you may have been named executor of the will, it is up to you to decide if you want to and are up to it. Acting as an executor can be stressful, hard, and take considerable time. Once you start dealing with estate assets you are bound by law to finish the job, so it is important to consider whether you are able and willing to take on this responsibility.
If you agree to be the executor, consider hiring a lawyer and an accountant. They can help you with paperwork, fulfilling your duties, and properly filing tax returns.
Other responsibilities for an executor include:
Making funeral arrangements
Confirming that it is the last will—you may be able to do this through the Vital Statistics Agency
Probating the will—this is the process of having a court rule that a will is valid
Cancelling all credit and debit cards and subscriptions
Making sure that the estate is safe (for example, changing the locks on the apartment, putting valuables in a safe place, and getting a vacancy permit for home insurance if needed)
Notifying all potential beneficiaries
Additional information on the responsibilities of an executor can be found on the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch's website at www.cbabc.org.
If a person named as an executor is unable or unwilling and there is no one else willing and able to administer the will, the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia may provide this service. Additional information can be found on www.trustee.bc.ca.
If your loved one didn't have a will, BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act determines how their estate will be divided. More information can be found at http://www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law/Scripts/Wills-and-Estates/177.
Survivor's pension
The legal spouse or common-law partner of the person who died may be eligible for a survivor's pension through the Canada Pension Plan. Spouses or common-law partners are not eligible to receive a survivor's pension if they are under 35 years of age at the time of their partner's death, unless they have a disability or a dependent child with the deceased person. Additional information and application forms can be found on the Government of Canada’s website at: http://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-survivor-pension.html.
There may be other payments that the estate and/or surviving family members may be eligible for. These include Employment Insurance payments, children's benefits, allowance for the survivor, and other possible benefits. More information can be found at http://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/benefits/family/death.html.
