When Death Occurs Away From Home

Few things in life are more stressful than dealing with the death of a loved one.  But can you imagine a loved one unexpectedly dying while away from home?  Most people would be completely unprepared if a death occurred during a vacation, business trip, or family visit.  What would you do?  Where would you begin?

I have helped many people deal with tragic circumstances throughout my twenty-two years in the funeral business.  In some instances, individuals from southern Utah have traveled to other states or foreign countries and have passed away.  In other cases, visitors to our beautiful area have died unexpectedly.  Their traveling companions experience the unthinkable.  Each circumstance is different and carries its own unique challenges, especially when foreign countries have specific requirements for shipping or receiving human remains.

One common misconception is that standard travel insurance will take care of all of the details.  This assumption is incorrect.  Travel insurance companies will provide financial assistance but still require the resources of a local funeral home.  The best course of action is for an individual to make pre-arrangements before they travel.  Directions and personal preferences should be recorded and made readily available for family members as well as kept on file at a local funeral home.  This information should also include the statistical information necessary to complete a death certificate and other required documentation.  Individuals should carry the contact information of their local funeral home in their wallet for the duration of their travel.

For those interested, we do, however, offer a specific funeral travel plan that covers the funeral home fees at the location of death.  It also covers the expenses incurred to ship a body home.  The cost is a single payment of $285 and will cover the individual for life.

At Serenity Funeral Home, we are here to give you advice and provide you with all of the paperwork necessary to ensure a comprehensive pre-plan.  We will help you choose from the many options available, outline costs, and make any necessary recommendations.  Although it is an option, you are not required to pay in advance to have your wishes kept on file.  To begin this important process, contact us today at (435) 986-2085, or stop by our office just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director, Serenity Funeral Home

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