What happens first
Police and the coroner come to every suicide. The Benton County Coroner handles deaths in Kennewick, Richland and West Richland, and the Franklin County Coroner handles Pasco. They will tell you when the home or vehicle is released.
Until then, leave the room as it is and keep children and pets out. It is fine to close the door and stay somewhere else.
How the cleanup is done
The company works in protective gear, removes anything that cannot be safely cleaned, then cleans and disinfects the rest. You do not need to be there. Many families hand over a key and come back when it is finished.
If you want to keep certain belongings, say so on the first call. Ask the company to set them aside rather than decide for you.
Things you can ask for
- An unmarked vehicle and plain clothing on arrival
- A time when the family will not be home
- A walk-through afterwards with one person you choose
- Photos and a written list for an insurer or landlord
Grief support nearby
The Benton County Coroner's information page lists local grief resources, including Chaplaincy Grief Care at 509-783-7416 and the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center at 509-374-5391. Its advice is simple: take care of yourself, and call friends or family for support.
You may also need
Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Pasco
One call, then the decision is yours
You can call now to ask questions, even if the home has not been released yet. An independent company will tell you what happens next.
When you are ready to talk
Say what happened, where, and whether police or the coroner are still involved. The company explains what it would do and how it prices the work. Nothing is agreed until you say yes.
Call (509) 555-0109Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.