What to Do When a Death Occurs in Texas
The right first call depends on where the death happened: if it was expected and at home under hospice, call the hospice nurse; if it was unexpected, call 911. Once the death is officially pronounced, call us — a real person answers any hour — and we'll bring your loved one into our care and guide every next step. There is nothing you must decide all at once.
If your loved one was in hospice or expected to pass at home
Call the hospice nurse or attending physician first. They can pronounce the death and begin the paperwork. Then call us, and we'll arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
If the death was sudden or unexpected
Call 911. First responders will make the official pronouncement and determine whether the medical examiner or a justice of the peace needs to be involved, which is standard for an unattended death in Texas.
If the death occurred in a hospital or care facility
Let the staff know you've chosen A Plus Cremation and call us. We coordinate directly with the facility so you don't have to manage the logistics.
If the death was expected and under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first; they pronounce the death and start the paperwork. If it was unexpected, call 911. After the death is pronounced, call A Plus Cremation any hour and we'll take it from there.
No. The immediate step is getting the death officially pronounced and your loved one into respectful care. Decisions about the cremation and any memorial can follow calmly, without pressure.
Once the death has been pronounced, you can call us at any hour. A real person — often the owner — will answer and walk you through the next step.
Sources
- Texas DSHS — Vital Statistics (death registration) · primary source
Related guides
Talk it through with a real person
Any hour, day or night — often the owner. No pressure, just the next clear step.