Multiple Casualty Funeral: Planning Services When Several People Die Together

A multiple casualty funeral is the planning of services for several people who died in the same event, such as a crash, a fire, a disaster or a violent crime. Expect delays. A medical examiner or coroner has to investigate and identify each person before remains can be released, and that can take longer than a single death. Most families appoint one coordinator, plan in stages and hold a joint service, separate services or both.

This guide explains what causes the delays, how to plan in stages, the cost and financial help, and the paperwork.

Why does it take longer?

After a sudden or violent death, a medical examiner or coroner usually must investigate before releasing the body. When several people die at once, that work is multiplied. In large events, local officials may ask for federal help. The HHS Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT), for example, are deployed at the request of local authorities and help with victim identification, temporary morgues, tracking remains and personal effects, and collecting medical records, dental records or DNA from next of kin.

For transportation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board's Transportation Disaster Assistance division acts as the family assistance program. Its specialists serve as the main contact for families and provide updates on the investigation. You can reach them at (800) 683-9369 or assistance@ntsb.gov.

What you may be asked to provide includes:

• Medical and dental records for each person
• A DNA reference sample from a close relative
• Descriptions of clothing, jewelry, tattoos or scars
• Photographs

There is no standard timeline. The medical examiner or coroner's office can tell you where each person is in the process. For more on how investigations affect funeral timing, see our guide on coroner investigations. For specific event types, see plane crash victim funerals and disaster victim funerals.

A staged plan that keeps things moving

You do not have to wait until everyone is released before gathering.

1. Day one onward: one coordinator. Choose one trusted relative or friend to speak to officials, the funeral home and the media. Everyone else sends questions through them.
2. Early days: a private gathering. A small vigil or prayer service for close family and friends, with or without the bodies, lets people begin to mourn.
3. When most are released: a joint memorial. A larger service for the whole community can be held once most remains have been released.
4. As each is cleared: burials or cremations. Individual committals can follow on each person's own timeline.

Do we need separate paperwork for each person?

Yes. Each person has their own:

• Death certificate
• Permit or authorization for burial or cremation
• Legal decision-maker under state law
• Funeral home contract or authorization, even if one service covers them all

When several family members die together, the people who decide for each may be different relatives. For example, the surviving spouse decides for one person and a parent for another. Ask the funeral home to confirm who can sign for each person. See our guide on who arranges a funeral.

Order extra certified death certificates for each person, because banks, insurers and agencies often want originals. Our guide to how many death certificates you need helps you decide. If people died close together, who inherits from whom can depend on state law, so speak to an estate attorney.

One joint service or several?

Whichever you choose:

• Honor each person. A joint service can have one central reading or eulogy and shorter individual tributes, or a table or display for each person with photos and mementos.
• Respect each person's wishes. People who died together may have held different beliefs. A celebrant or officiant experienced in blended or interfaith services can help.
• Plan for the crowd. Consider a larger venue, a program, livestreaming and help with parking and seating.
• Consider privacy. High-profile events may draw media. Ask the funeral home about security and whether the service can be private.

Disagreements between relatives can happen at times like this. Our guide on sibling disagreements over funeral arrangements explains how decisions are made when family members see things differently.

How much does it cost, and is there financial help?

Costs do not simply double or triple. You still need a casket or cremation container for each person, transport and cemetery or crematory fees. You may save on some shared costs, such as a single venue for one service.

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you an itemized General Price List and a written statement of the goods and services you choose before you pay. Ask whether they will charge one facility or ceremony fee for a shared service. There is no standard discount for multiple funerals.

Possible sources of help:

• FEMA. If the deaths were caused by a disaster that has a federal declaration, FEMA assistance may help. Federal regulations list funeral costs, including funeral services and burial or cremation, among the expenses that can be covered under Other Needs Assistance. The assistance requires a federal disaster declaration, and FEMA decides eligibility and amounts, and applications are made through FEMA once a declaration covers your area.
• Crime victim compensation. If the deaths resulted from a crime, each state runs a program that can reimburse funeral and burial costs, and other costs. Apply in the state where the crime occurred. The Office for Victims of Crime directory and the NACVCB program directory link to each state program. VictimConnect can refer you to local services at 855-484-2846.
• Insurance. Life insurance, accident or travel insurance and employer benefits may help. See life insurance and funeral costs.
• Community help. Funeral homes, faith groups and local charities sometimes organize funds. Be careful about giving out bank details, and keep a record of donations.

What if the deaths happened in another state?

You may need to work with two funeral homes: one near where the deaths occurred or the remains are held, and one near you or the burial site. They coordinate transport. Ask about fees for transfer and shipping. See our guide on transporting a body across states.

Looking after yourselves

Losing several people at once can be overwhelming. You may be managing grief, shock, investigations and media attention all at the same time.

• Ask a counselor with trauma experience, not just general grief counseling.
• Call or text 988 if you or someone in your family is in distress. It is free and available at any time.
• Take regular breaks from logistics, and let others help with meals, children and errands.

What to do next

1. Choose one coordinator and share their contact information with officials and the funeral home.
2. Ask the medical examiner or coroner's office about timing and what information they need from you.
3. Confirm the legal decision-maker for each person.
4. Ask the funeral home for a written price list and about fees for a shared service.
5. Check whether FEMA or a crime victim compensation program applies.