What happens after a suicide in the family? NOT an afterlife question!!?

Question

After someone commits suicide what happens in the "real world". As in once the body is discovered, who notifies the family? Are friends notified as well? Is it done in person or by a mere phone call? When friends and family are finally reached are statements taken from them? Any information from someone who knows would be appreciated. I need this information for a project.

How long after the death is an autopsy performed?
Is it a realistic scenario to have police show up at your door once your friend has hung himself or whatever to ask you questions or is it less formal than that?

Answer 1

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Dear, I just read your previous question and it sounds like you are dealing with a lot right now. An illness that gives you maybe 5 years left to live, an std that you may have accidentally transmitted to your boyfriend... Hon, your question here makes me worry for you. What sort of "Project" are you working on?

I may be afraid for you for nothing, but let me reiterate that I really hope this "project" is not about you considering suicide yourself. ----If you want to talk, email me.

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ORIGINAL ANSWER: I hope you aren't planning to kill yourself. ---Oh, asking for a project. Maybe if I read the whole thing. :)

Anyway, I have a friend who's husband hung himself. The authorities pretty much just came and took him away. She requested to have his brain analyzed for damage 'cause she thought an earlier fall on a bike might have messed his frontal lobe up which centers around emotions.

Anyway... They did an autopsy right away for him, but that being said if there are more than one to be performed they have criteria that prioritize who goes first, second and third, provided there aren't enough Dr.'s to do the work immediately.

Family is usually notified first and depending on what is found at the scene dictates whether they will go to friend's houses to notify or ask questions or both.

Answer 2

Generally after the body is discovered the police will commence initial investigations. The first person to be notified would be the deceased's next of kin. Most police are fairly sensitive in that they would notify the next of kin in person, however they may notify them over the phone. If the next of kin cannot be established, the closest family member who is over 18 would be notified such as a parent, husband, wife, carer etc. It is then their duty to notify other family members or friends.

The police will need to commence preliminary investigations to confirm that the death was indeed caused by suicide and not murder, manslaughter, food poisoning etc. This may involve asking questions of family and friends about the demeanour of the person as well as the persons last known movements. Family and friends may be asked to provide statements.

Finally an autopsy would be completed, as the death is not by natural causes. The autopsy should confirm the investigations findings - that the death was indeed a suicide.

Answer 3

tweenthelines gave a very good answer. Most law enforcement prefers to give that type of information in person if possible. If an autopsy is to be performed, it is usually done as soon as possible after the body is found. How long that is after death is one of the things the autopsy will determine.

Answer 4

Police investigate, autopsy performed.