What to Do First When a Death Occurs in Colorado
When a death occurs in Colorado, the first steps are to make sure the death has been officially pronounced, then call Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations at (303) 237-5350. Our caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We will bring your loved one into our care and guide you through every decision that follows, at your own pace and with no pressure. From there, you can notify family, gather a few key details, and meet with us to plan a service that fits your family and budget. You do not have to face this alone. We are here to help right now.
Help Across the Denver Metro Area, Any Hour
We help families in Lakewood, Denver, Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Golden, Arvada, Littleton, Englewood, Westminster, and Morrison. Wherever you are in the west metro, you can call us any hour and we will come to you within about 30 miles.
Who Do I Call First When Someone Dies?
If the death was expected at home under hospice care, call the hospice first. If it was unexpected, call 911. Once the death has been officially pronounced by a medical professional, call Stork-Morley at (303) 237-5350. We are available 24 hours a day and will take it from there, bringing your loved one into our care and guiding you on what comes next.
The First Steps to Take, One at a Time
1. Make Sure the Death Has Been Pronounced
If your loved one was under hospice care at home, call the hospice. If the death was unexpected, call 911. A medical professional must legally pronounce the death before a funeral home can bring your loved one into its care.
2. Call Stork-Morley at (303) 237-5350
Our caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We will arrange to bring your loved one into our care and explain exactly what happens next, so you do not have to figure it out alone.
3. Notify Close Family and Friends
Reach out to those who need to know. It is perfectly okay to ask a trusted relative or friend to help you make these calls.
4. Gather a Few Key Details
When you are able, collect your loved one’s full legal name, date of birth, and any wishes they shared about burial or cremation. Do not worry if you do not have everything right away.
5. Meet With Us to Make Arrangements
We will sit down with you, explain your options clearly, and help you plan a service that fits your family and your budget, always with no pressure.
Why Families Turn to Stork-Morley First
Someone Answers, Day or Night
When a death occurs, you reach a caring person, not a recording. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We Guide You Step by Step
You will be facing many tasks and decisions at a hard time. We walk you through each one and handle the details so you can focus on your family.
No Pressure, Ever
We explain your options and prices clearly and never push you to spend more than you want, even in the first difficult hours.
We Come to You
We bring your loved one into our care from wherever they are, within about 30 miles of Lakewood, so you do not have to manage that yourself.
Caring Help You Can Count On
- Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (303) 237-5350.
- We bring your loved one into our care within about 30 miles.
- Family-owned since 1994; rated 4.9 on Google.
- We guide you through every step with no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call first when someone dies?
If the death was expected at home under hospice, call the hospice. If it was unexpected, call 911. Once the death is pronounced, call Stork-Morley at (303) 237-5350 and we will guide you from there.
What happens if a death occurs in the middle of the night?
Call us any time. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so a caring person will answer and help you right away, no matter the hour.
Do I need to call 911 if someone dies at home?
If the death was unexpected, yes, call 911. If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice instead. Either way, a medical professional must pronounce the death before we can bring your loved one into our care.
How soon do I need to make funeral or cremation arrangements?
There is no need to rush. After we bring your loved one into our care, you can take the time you need before meeting with us to plan the service.
What documents and information will the funeral home need?
It helps to have your loved one’s full legal name, date of birth, and any wishes about burial or cremation. We will let you know what else is needed and help you gather it, so do not worry if you do not have everything.
Reviewed by Peter Morley, Funeral Director at Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations, Lakewood, CO.