Sudden or unexplained death

  • An overview of what happens when someone dies as a result of an accident or in unexplained circumstances.
  • A coroner is an independent official with legal responsibility for the investigation of sudden and unexplained deaths.

  • A post-mortem is a medical examination into the health of someone during their life and their cause of death. Circumstances in which post-mortems take place in Ireland.

  • An inquest is an official enquiry into the cause of a sudden, unexplained or violent death of a person.

  • Rules governing the exhumation of the remains of a deceased person in Ireland and how to apply for an exhumation licence.

  • If someone in Ireland is missing and presumed dead, there are important implications for the estate of the missing person. Information on the procedures when this occurs.