If an obituary says "passed away" does that typically mean suicide?

[Anonymous]

There was a guy in the local newspaper (in his early 40s) that got arrested for felony drunk driving, then "passed away unexpectedly at home at 5:30 pm" three days later. Did he have some terminal illness? Unlikely, if he was driving drunk three days before. Since he was facing prison time for felony drunk driving, I am guessing it was a suicide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is one of the dumbest posts.

and honestly its a little offensive too - having just experienced a friend's son's suicide. not sure why OP feels entitled to know this information.

[Anonymous]

Oh please! I get that some people prefer not to print why a death occured, but if you think this makes others mind their own business or "respect your privacy" get real. My sister called the funeral home instead of endlessly speculating, and got the information, the hospital is also a good source of information, you just need to know how to ask the question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh please! I get that some people prefer not to print why a death occured, but if you think this makes others mind their own business or "respect your privacy" get real. My sister called the funeral home instead of endlessly speculating, and got the information, the hospital is also a good source of information, you just need to know how to ask the question.

Your sister calls the funeral home or hospital to find out the cause of death of someone? She has to know something that's none of her business that badly?

[Anonymous]

no.

[Anonymous]

#1 was probably a heart attack. My circle lost 3 seemingly healthy males in the 40-50 age range to heart attacks in the span of about a year. It was pretty sobering.

#2 could have been all sorts of things, but less likely to be a heart attack or stroke. Could be cancer, though - I know of a few people who died in their 20's of cancer.

[Anonymous]

Non-native English speakers all say died and use it in obits too. In many languages, there is just one word for died, no euphemism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh please! I get that some people prefer not to print why a death occured, but if you think this makes others mind their own business or "respect your privacy" get real. My sister called the funeral home instead of endlessly speculating, and got the information, the hospital is also a good source of information, you just need to know how to ask the question.

Your sister calls the funeral home or hospital to find out the cause of death of someone? She has to know something that's none of her business that badly?

Agree. My parent was highly protective health issues. I made sure not to list a cause of death because of nosy assholes like that. Really—they need to know so they went sleuthing? Disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These days, I tend to assume drug overdose in anyone under 40. At least 50% of the time a Google search will turn up confirmation, too.

That’s stupid. The people under 40 that I know died of leukemia, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, car accidents, bike accident, drowning, aneurysm, murder, infection following a surgical procedure, cardiomyopathy, 9/11 and pneumonia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:#1 was probably a heart attack. My circle lost 3 seemingly healthy males in the 40-50 age range to heart attacks in the span of about a year. It was pretty sobering.

#2 could have been all sorts of things, but less likely to be a heart attack or stroke. Could be cancer, though - I know of a few people who died in their 20's of cancer.

Three in your circle?? That’s crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These days, I tend to assume drug overdose in anyone under 40. At least 50% of the time a Google search will turn up confirmation, too.

Did you grow up in meth country or something? This isn't normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate "passed" or "passed away." Mines going to say died, or better yet "croaked."

hahaha +1

Can't stand euphemisms for death. It'll be "died" for me. "Croaked and is now destined for underground housing" would also be good.

As for the OP - mind your own goddamned business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh please! I get that some people prefer not to print why a death occured, but if you think this makes others mind their own business or "respect your privacy" get real. My sister called the funeral home instead of endlessly speculating, and got the information, the hospital is also a good source of information, you just need to know how to ask the question.

Of course there will always be offensive busybodies like your sister. Doesn't mean most people don't have manners and respect for other people's privacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, passed away sounds so much nicer than "died."

My cousin insist on stating that her father has “transitioned” I assume she uses that word because she hasn’t accepted his death yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It means the person died of 'Mind Your Own Business.'

Plus One Tabratillion. Thread Over.

Although, OP, I wouldn't mind seeing your obit read "passed away unexpectedly" in the near future. Please leave your name so I can keep an eye out.

Looking forward!

This was mean but funny.

I had a family member pass away recently and I was shocked at how invasive people can be with wanting details. I'm actually ok with saying "X" died of a heart attack or stroke-- no biggie, but folks wanted even more details. My family member was found dead and a few people wanted questions about how the person looked dead (ie were eyes closed, fully dressed etc). It was quite weird and I quickly had to learn to shut the conversations down.

Greif porn is very real. I am convinced some people get off on tragedy and sadness.

+100

My dad was private with his health. We did not mention the cause of death, cancer.

Passed away is used as commonly as “died” in obituaries and it is considered a kinder way to describe it for grieving families.