What to Do When Someone Dies in San Diego
When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what to do next. The steps depend on where the death occurred and whether it was expected.
Each year, approximately 20,000 people pass away in San Diego County. Knowing what to do and understanding the steps involved can help you remain calm and better manage the stress of the situation.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide for San Diego families. If you need help at any point, a licensed funeral director is available 24 hours a day to guide you.
📞 Call anytime: 619-550-7807
Choose the situation that applies to you to understand the next steps.
If the death was unexpected at home, call 911. Authorities will respond, determine if further review is needed, and guide what happens next before a funeral home can take your loved one into care.
🔵 In Hospital or Care Facility
If the death occurred in a hospital or care facility, the staff will handle the initial process. You will be asked to choose a funeral home, and they will coordinate the release when ready.
Death Occurs at Home (Under Hospice Care)
They will come to the home, officially pronounce the passing, and guide you through the immediate next steps.
Once this has been completed, the hospice rovider will call us and we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
Watch: What to Do When a Death Occurs Under Hospice Care
Some families choose to spend a little time at home beforehand, allowing close family and friends to gather and say their goodbyes.
We are able to respond quickly once the hospice provider has completed their process—often within 1.5 hours. During this time, you may wish to remain with your loved one and take a quiet moment together.
Death Occurs at Home (Unexpected – Not Under Hospice Care)
If the death was unexpected at home and your loved one was not under hospice care, your first step is to call 911.
A police officer or emergency personnel will respond and determine whether the death appears to be from natural causes or if further review is needed.
In many cases, the medical examiner will be notified. The medical examiner may either release your loved to a funeral home or take them in the care of the Medical Examiner.
Watch: What to Do When a Death Occurs at Home (Not Under Hospice)
If the responding officer issues a waiver number your loved one can be brought into our care.
Once we receive authorization, we can respond quickly—often within about 1.5 hours. During this time, you may wish to remain with your loved one and take a quiet moment together.
Death Occurs at a Hospital or Care Facility
If a death occurs in a hospital or care facility, the staff will handle the initial steps and make the necessary notifications. You will be asked to choose a funeral home. Once arrangements are in place, the facility will coordinate the release when everything is ready.
The timing of the release can vary. In some cases, it happens the same day, while in others it may take a day or so depending on internal procedures.
If the Death Occurs in the Emergency Room
Emergency room physicians typically do not sign death certificates, so the patient’s primary care doctor or another physician may need to be contacted to complete the necessary documentation.
When the Medical Examiner Is Involved
In certain situations, the medical examiner may be involved. This can include cases such as:
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- Unexpected or unexplained deaths
- Drug overdoses
- Accidents or traumatic injuries
When this occurs, the medical examiner will determine the next steps before your loved one can be released to a funeral home.
Bringing Your Loved One Into Our Care
📞 Available 24/7: 619-550-7807
What Happens After Your Loved One Is Taken Into Our Care
Once the release is approved, we coordinate directly with the hospital or care facility and bring your loved one into our care.
From that point forward, we will guide you step by step through everything that needs to be handled, so you don’t have to figure things out on your own.
How We Guide You Through the Next Steps
No matter when or where a death occurs, you can contact us at any time. Even if you’ve already spoken with a hospital, hospice provider, or another agency, we can help you understand what happens next.
When you call, we will gently gather some basic information and answer any immediate questions you may have.
One of the first things we determine is who has legal authority to make decisions. This is typically the next of kin, though in some cases a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care may be in place.
We may ask you to complete a simple information form, which helps us prepare the required documentation, including the death certificate.
Making Arrangements and Completing the Required Paperwork
We will guide you through the necessary paperwork and next steps at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Arrangements can be completed in whatever way works best for your situation:
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- In person
- By phone
- By email
There is no need to rush—we are here to make the process as simple and manageable as possible.
Your Options for Cremation, Burial, and Memorial Services
You don’t need to make any decisions right away. When you are ready, we will walk you through the options available and help you choose what feels right for your family.