Unless you’ve experienced the unattended death of a loved one before, the fact people pass away without anyone finding them for a time may be something you don’t realize happens quite often. Left alone in an apartment, vehicle, or home, a person may die and their body start to decompose before something alerts a family member, friend, or neighbor to check on the person.
Unattended deaths in Hawaii
Here in Hawaii, unattended deaths happen more often than you would think. While as a culture we emphasize ohana and community, many people live alone on the island without people coming by every day. Often without family close by or with them living far away on the mainland, these neighbors of ours can go missing for some time before someone notices. It may be a smell, flies in the window, leaking fluids, or a loved one becoming concerned that alerts others to the fact something is wrong.
Call the police for a wellness check
If you have a loved one you normally see but haven’t been able to get a hold of for an extended period of time, don’t be afraid to call the police for a welfare check. A welfare check is when police officers go in-person to someone’s home. If they find the person in good health, they will let you know. If they find the person sick, injured, or passed away, they will call for paramedics or the coroner after they have conducted their on-site investigation as to how the person passed away. Then they will call you along with the first of kin.
In addition to calling about someone you haven’t seen and can’t get a hold of, welfare checks can also be done for someone you think may commit suicide. It is far better to be cautious and check on someone you are concerned about than to note their absence and not call the police for help. By making a call for a welfare check, you may save the life of someone you love.
Visitors sometimes pass away on the Islands
Though not often thought about, visitors to Hawaii are another group of people who may pass away on one of our islands without anyone knowing for a while. Outside of their normal environments and away from those they normally see, the traveler may experience health issues or commit an act of suicide while away from home. Without anyone nearby checking on them, no one may realize they are missing for some time. In these cases, it is often hotel staff or house cleaners who find the person and call the police for help. An investigation will then commence, and the rented space cleaned and restored by professional biohazard cleaners if biohazards are present. If you have a loved one visiting Hawaii you haven’t been able to get a hold of for a while, don’t be afraid to call the hotel where they’re staying or the police to investigate. They will be able to track the person down and find out their status.
Bio X Hawaii offers unattended death cleanup services
Based on Oahu, Bio X Hawaii provides unattended death cleanup throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you are looking to clean the home of a loved one or need a hotel room or rented property restored, we are ready to help. Each member of our team is trained to clean up blood and other body fluids after someone has passed away with environmentally friendly products and to make sure the impacted area is safe for the future. Usually covered by insurance and available 24/7, we are here to help in any way we can.
