dead relative abroad

irishh_bob

not sure if anyone can answer a few questions on this one for me

if someone dies abroad while on holiday on thier own , is it nesscesery for a relative to travel to the site in order to officially recognise the body before the dead person can be flown home for burial

Carawaystick

I'd say it depends on the laws in the foreign country.

It may be possible for consular staff to do this, or some of it, in certain cases.

coylemj

irishh_bob wrote: »

if someone dies abroad while on holiday on thier own , is it nesscesery for a relative to travel to the site in order to officially recognise the body before the dead person can be flown home for burial

Your best bet is to check with a local undertaker because they typically know the procedure in terms of what the local coroner needs before the body is released for repatriation.

To answer your question - it depends on the local laws but probably doesn't have to be a relative. It might for example be acceptable in the case of an accidental or natural death (i.e. no suspicous circumstances) for a travelling companion to swear an affidavit to the effect that he has known the deceased for xx years and has visualy identified him or her. This might be acceptable to the local police or coroner in which case a certificate might be forthcoming which will enable the friends to bring the body home.

Turner

If this is a real inquiry o/p I would contact the Dept of Foreign Affairs.

They are well used to dealing with incidents like this and will give you some good advice.

They will have Irish consular staff in the country or staff that represent Irish interests based there.

Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 4780822
LoCall: 1890 426 700

irishh_bob

sounds like its a case of death by suicide , dont really know the chap ( second cousin ) but cant imagine the family fancy the idea of flying to sydney

nuac

Agree with Turner. DFA staff are always very helpful in theee cases.

Have called on them a number of times over tghe years and was always impressed with their professionalism.