The reason for this post is that someone in our family has passed away recently and they told us that cause of death was ‘sudden cardiac arrest’. However, that was what the doctor told at the place after his body had been found days after his passing in his flat. They said it seemed as if he had fallen. However, if there is known history of severe depression and reason to belief that it was not exactly a natural death (due to a short message in his last email), is there legitimate reason to doubt? This happened in Germany, so I do not know if there will be an autopsy. I also do not know if they say that to not worry the family? They also said ‘he passed away peacefully’ and how would they know that? If anyone works in the field or has heard about such a case in more detail, any information would be much appreciated, thank you!
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>ELI5: How is the cause of death of a person determined when they pass away alone in their house?
absent any tell tale signs of another possible cause, an initial determination is made based on what’s most likely. a person’s medical history can provide some insight.
>if there is known history of severe depression … is there legitimate reason to doubt?
you mean suicide? not really. if it were an overdose of something there would likely be evidence of that. if they purposely didn’t take their heart medicine and died of a heartache, it would still be considered natural causes.
>They also said ‘he passed away peacefully’ and how would they know that?
it’s more comforting to hear.
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