For families

Cleanup after a suicide

No one should have to clean up after losing someone this way. An independent cleanup company can do it while you are somewhere else, and you can take as much time as you need before you call.

Call (612) 493-4397

Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

A woman at a kitchen table by a frosted window speaks quietly on the phone — Illustration. Not a real job or address.

What happens first

A suicide is reported to the medical examiner, and the police usually attend too (Minn. Stat. 390.11). Their work comes first. When they leave, ask them whether the room is released to you.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner can be reached at 612-215-6300, day or night, if you have questions about your relative or about choosing a funeral home.

On the call

You do not need to describe more than you want to. Saying which room it is and whether the police have finished is enough for a first call. The company can ask the rest when someone comes to look.

It is fine to ask a friend or relative to make the call for you.

Can you work while the family is out of the house?
Will you put aside personal belongings rather than throwing them away?
Can the invoice go to the person handling the estate or insurance?

Paying for it

The state's crime victim reimbursement covers crimes, so it usually does not apply after a suicide. Some homeowner and renter policies pay for this kind of cleanup; call the insurer and ask before work begins. If the home is rented, speak with the landlord about who arranges it. See who pays.

Other situations

Call when you are ready

There is no hurry on your side. When you call, you will talk with an independent cleanup company that works in the Minneapolis area. Ask anything you need to.

Talk to a cleanup company

Call (612) 493-4397

Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Calls may be recorded. More in the referral disclosure and privacy policy.