No matter how many times we are called upon for cleanup jobs where someone has died, there is nothing quite so sad as an unattended death.
Most people haven’t even heard the expression unattended death. It is a term used for situations where individuals die without anyone present. Investigators may treat the death as a possible crime if they cannot easily explain how the death occurred.
The 47 year old woman who had lived here had not shown up for work for over a week and her coworkers were concerned. They contacted the police who came out and found the body and called us in for the cleanup.
The saddest part about it is dying ALONE.
As in the case above, the deceased lived alone and the body was not found for almost two weeks.
When we arrived at the residence there were no lights on in the house, the mail had accumulated outside, the yard was overgrown. The smell of death and decomposition was overwhelming.
If you’ve never experienced this smell you will never forget it. Every blanket, sheet and piece of clothing somehow absorbs this sickening smell. Furniture can even absorb the smell, everything except maybe glass or metal has to be dealt with. I’ve heard stories that even a television had begun to smell.
After death the body immediately starts the process of decomposition. Gases are released from the body and often fluids seep out during this process. Decomposition occurs in stages and trained professionals can determine the time of death partly by the stage of decomposition.
The cause of death in this instance looked to be a brain bleed.
A brain bleed, or brain hemorrhage can be the result of a stroke, a head injury, high blood pressure, liver disease or even brain tumor. It isn’t known at this point which happened to the deceased. We do know sometimes they come on suddenly. Other situations are slow and might be caught if the symptoms were recognized and treated in time.
Extended family members who lose a loved one to such unfortunate situations often feel very guilty that the individual died alone and wasn’t found for awhile. Those feelings are valid and understandable.
Perhaps it would be to keep an eye out in particular to those who may be at higher risk. The elderly, those that live alone or keep to themselves a lot.
ABT technicians are available 24/7 should you ever need our help take comfort in knowing we are experienced, prompt and professional.
While we hope you never need our services, we are ready, willing and able to assist should you need us.
