Unexpected Death in Leicester

What to do when someone dies unexpectedly

If someone has died suddenly or unexpectedly, it can feel frightening and overwhelming. Bay Tree Funeral Directors is here to offer calm guidance and support when you need it most.

In many unexpected death situations, emergency services, the police, a doctor or the coroner may need to be involved before funeral arrangements can move forward. We can explain what usually happens next and support your family through the process.

For immediate help or advice, please call Bay Tree Funeral Directors on 0116 278 8868. We are available 24 hours a day.

Call 0116 278 8868

1. If there is an immediate emergency

If someone has died suddenly, unexpectedly, or you are unsure whether they have died, you should call the emergency services on 999.

Emergency services will guide you through what to do. Depending on the circumstances, police or ambulance staff may attend and the death may be referred to the coroner.

2. If the police or coroner are involved

When a death is unexpected, it is common for the death to be referred to the coroner. This does not always mean anything suspicious has happened. It simply means the cause of death may need to be confirmed before the next steps can take place.

The coroner may decide whether a post-mortem examination is needed. They will also advise when your loved one can be released into the care of a funeral director.

You can find further information from the Leicester City and South Leicestershire Coroner’s Service.

3. Contact Bay Tree Funeral Directors

You can contact us at any stage for guidance, even if the coroner or police process is still ongoing.

When you call, you will speak directly to a member of our family team. We will explain what may happen next, answer your questions and liaise with the relevant people where appropriate.

Personal support from Samantha Ward

At Bay Tree Funeral Directors, you will have personal support from Samantha Ward and our family team. We understand that an unexpected death can leave families shocked, confused and unsure what to do first.

We will listen carefully, explain everything clearly and help you take each step at a pace that feels right for your family.

4. What happens if a post-mortem is needed?

If the coroner decides that a post-mortem examination is needed, they will explain the process and any expected timescales.

In many cases, once the coroner has completed the necessary enquiries, they will issue the paperwork needed for the funeral to go ahead. We can guide you through this and explain what it means for the arrangements.

5. What happens if there is an inquest?

Sometimes the coroner may decide that an inquest is needed. If this happens, it may not be possible to fully register the death until after the inquest has taken place.

However, the coroner can usually issue interim paperwork so that funeral arrangements may still proceed. We will support your family and explain what can and cannot happen while the coroner’s process is ongoing.

6. Bringing your loved one into our care

Once the coroner or relevant authority confirms that your loved one can be released, Bay Tree Funeral Directors can arrange for them to be brought into our care and taken to our chapel of rest in Blaby, Leicester.

Our team will treat your loved one with dignity, respect and compassion at every stage. We will also discuss chapel of rest visits with you if your family would like to spend time with them before the funeral.

7. Registering the death

If there is no inquest, the coroner will usually send the necessary paperwork to the register office so the death can be registered.

If an inquest is taking place, registration may happen later, after the inquest has concluded. In the meantime, interim documents may be issued so that practical arrangements can continue.

You may also find our registering a death guide helpful.

8. Arranging the funeral

You do not have to make every funeral decision straight away. When you feel ready, we can arrange an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or speak with you over the phone.

We will explain your options clearly, including burial, cremation, direct cremation, chapel of rest visits, floral tributes, newspaper notices and personal touches for the service.

To speak with us or book an appointment, please call 0116 278 8868.

Book an Appointment by Phone

Visit Our Funeral Home in Blaby, Leicester

After an unexpected death, many families find it helpful to sit down with a funeral director and talk things through in person. You are welcome to visit our funeral home in Blaby, where we can discuss the arrangements privately and calmly.

Why Families Choose Bay Tree Funeral Directors

• Local funeral home in Blaby, Leicester — families can visit us and speak to us face to face.
• Available 24 hours a day — we are here when families need urgent guidance.
• Personal support from Samantha Ward — you will be guided with care, dignity and understanding.
• Clear explanation of the process — we help you understand the next steps without confusion.
• Support during coroner involvement — we can explain what usually happens and help you through the process.
• Trusted by local families — Bay Tree Funeral Directors supports families across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Unexpected Death FAQs

Who should I call first if someone dies unexpectedly?

If someone has died suddenly or unexpectedly, or you are unsure whether they have died, call 999. Emergency services will guide you through the immediate next steps.

Does an unexpected death always involve the coroner?

Many unexpected deaths are referred to the coroner so that the cause of death can be confirmed. This does not always mean anything suspicious has happened.

Can I call Bay Tree Funeral Directors before the coroner has finished?

Yes. You can call us at any stage for advice. We can explain what may happen next and support you while the coroner’s process is ongoing.

Can the funeral still take place if there is an inquest?

In many cases, yes. The coroner may issue interim paperwork so that the funeral can take place before the full inquest has concluded.

When can my loved one be brought into your care?

We can bring your loved one into our care once the coroner, hospital or relevant authority confirms that they can be released to the funeral director.

Can we book an appointment to discuss the funeral?

Yes. Please call 0116 278 8868 to book an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or to speak with us over the phone.