Brother - sudden death at age 62

[Koolau]

Unless it is a suspected homicide, WE ALL MUST REMEMBER THAT WE WERE BORN, SO THEREFORE MUST DIE!

Live every day to the fullest and leave regrets to others.

 

[SDHiker]

Hi Sunny, My brother also passed away suddenly in December of 2024. He was just 61. He was also a smoker. He had a distant past methamphetamine and alcohol addiction, but had been clean for over 25 years. Five years ago, he was treated for throat cancer and was declared clear. In the months before he died, he was being evaluated for an aortic valve replacement. He was super stressed about this, but his wife and I were both shocked that he died suddenly. The county in Virginia declined to do an autopsy because of his medical history. I inquired about an optional one, and it was going to be well over $5K, and as his wife said, he would still be gone. I used to work for the Medical Examiner and I called one of the pathologists I know well, and given his history, she said they would have declined to autopsy as well. So I asked the mechanism of death, and she said it was most likely a heart arrhythmia brought on by the aortic narrowing, and he would have lost consciousness within seconds and he probably never knew what was happening. She said an autopsy likely wouldn't have shed any light on exact cause of death, unless it was a ruptured aneurysm or something like that. In any case, it has been devastating to lose my only sibling, and I feel for you. I am sorry for your loss and I understand wanting more information.

 

[Chris7]

I am so sorry. Losing loved ones, especially younger than expected is hard. I probably would have wanted the autopsy, but seems like you know several, likely contributing factors.

Focus on the happy memories.
cd : O)

 

[Sunset]

condolences to you.
Your brother certainly was very unhealthy and seemed likely to die early.
Just like my Sister, who was also unhealthy, smoked for a long time, and nearly gave up smoking, ate poorly, no exercise, etc... She died age 62.
I had expected her to die earlier, yet it was still a shock and surprise when it happened.
No Autopsy as no foul play even suspected.

If you are concerned about genetics, then doing DNA testing can help, I did it and it pointed towards some specific issues, things that could be passed on.
Since I'm on Medicare now, I'm not really worried about health insurance denial theories via illegal access to my DNA results.

 

[SunnyOne]

Sunset, do you mind expanding on your comment: "Since I'm on Medicare now, I'm not really worried about health insurance denial theories via illegal access to my DNA results."?

 

[SunnyOne]

I very much appreciate the supportive and comforting words of wisdom and condolence shared here with me....seriously. It has been a tough life chapter for sure. My sister and I are coming along, day by day...the warmer, sunnier days have been helpful with mood and outlook, since we've both been suffering.
I did not intend for a myopic focus on an autopsy. It's natural and understandable when in grief, to grasp for anything to help make sense of a haunting situation.
Based on his background, I had assumed he would not reach an average lifespan...but one just doesn't expect to have daily conversations with a loved one and a long conversation on one night, only to find the loved one gone the next day.
Any sudden loss of a loved one is traumatizing.
Again, appreciate the kindness here and words of warmth.
Peace to you all.