Family bereavement experiences after sudden cardiac death

This study explored family bereavement experiences following the sudden cardiac death (SCD) of a relative. Using narrative analysis, seven families who experienced an SCD within the past five years shared family and individual stories about the decedent, the death, and their grief. Five themes emerged: the abruptness of SCD, the importance of saying goodbye, intense emotional reactions, the challenge of resuming life that is forever altered, and finding meaning in loss. Families described moving forward while still maintaining a connection to the deceased, often experiencing unexpected surges of grief. Findings suggest that storytelling may help families make sense of their loss and support adaptation after SCD, highlighting implications for professionals working with bereaved families.