What to Do If You Discover an Unattended Death
Steps to Take and Who to Call
Discovering an unattended death is an overwhelming and distressing experience. Whether it’s the result of natural causes, an accident, or suicide, knowing the right steps to take is crucial to ensure proper handling of the situation while protecting your health and legal responsibilities.
At CrimeTech Services in Colorado Springs, CO, we specialize in unattended death cleanup, providing professional, compassionate, and discreet services to help families through this difficult time.
Step 1: Call Emergency Services Immediately
The first thing you should do upon discovering an unattended death is to call 911. Law enforcement and medical personnel will determine:
- The cause of death (if it appears suspicious, accidental, or from natural causes)
- Whether an investigation is needed
- Next steps for handling the body
Even if the death appears to be from natural causes, authorities must verify and document it before the body can be removed.
Step 2: Avoid Disturbing the Scene
While it may be instinctual to check on the person or touch objects around the area, it’s crucial not to disturb anything. Authorities may need to conduct an investigation, and moving items could interfere with their findings.
Additionally, biohazards such as blood, bodily fluids, and decomposition matter may pose serious health risks, so it’s essential to maintain a safe distance.
Step 3: Contact the Next of Kin
If you are not a family member of the deceased, notify their next of kin as soon as possible. In some cases, law enforcement may take responsibility for making these notifications, particularly in suspicious deaths or homicides.
If no family can be located, local authorities may work with public administrators or the coroner’s office to handle arrangements.
Step 4: Arrange for the Body’s Removal
Once law enforcement has completed their assessment, they will coordinate with the coroner’s office, medical examiner, or a funeral home for body transportation.
Depending on the circumstances, the deceased may be taken to:
- A local funeral home for preparation and arrangements
- The coroner’s office if an autopsy or further investigation is required
Families should contact a funeral home or cremation service to begin making final arrangements.
Step 5: Hire a Professional Unattended Death Cleanup Service
After an unattended death, the affected area may be left with biohazards, including:
❌ Blood and bodily fluids
❌ Strong odors from decomposition
❌ Bacteria, viruses, and mold growth
These hazards pose serious health risks and require specialized biohazard remediation to fully sanitize the space.
At CrimeTech Services in Colorado Springs, CO, our trained professionals use:
- Industrial-strength cleaners & disinfectants
- Specialized equipment for odor removal
- OSHA- and EPA-compliant biohazard disposal methods
Attempting to clean an unattended death scene on your own can be dangerous and emotionally traumatizing. Professional crime scene cleanup ensures the area is safe, sanitary, and fully restored.
Step 6: Address Emotional and Legal Matters
After the immediate concerns are handled, families often face emotional, financial, and legal challenges. Some important next steps include:
- Grief Counseling & Support Groups – Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be devastating. Seeking emotional support can help with the grieving process.
- Estate & Property Management – If the deceased owned property, their will, debts, and assets must be settled. Families may need to consult a lawyer.
- Insurance & Financial Assistance – Some homeowners insurance policies may cover biohazard cleanup costs. Crime victim compensation programs may also be available.
At CrimeTech Services, we assist families with insurance claims to help cover unattended death cleanup costs.
Why Choose CrimeTech Services in Colorado Springs?
Crime scene and unattended death cleanup requires expertise, professionalism, and compassion. At CrimeTech Services, we provide:
✔ 24/7 Emergency Cleanup Services – Fast response when you need it most
✔ Compassionate & Discreet Service – Protecting your privacy and well-being
✔ OSHA & EPA-Compliant Biohazard Remediation – Ensuring safety and thorough decontamination
✔ Insurance Assistance – Helping families navigate claims for financial relief
Discovering an unattended death is a difficult and traumatic experience, but knowing the proper steps to take can make a difference in handling the situation safely and effectively.
If you need professional, compassionate biohazard cleanup in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Peyton, Monument, Pueblo and nearby cities in Colorado, reach out to CrimeTech Services at 719-201-2726 and a certified biohazard cleanup agent will handle the situation with care and professionalism.
Need Immediate Assistance? Call CrimeTech Services Today!