Death of a British National abroad in suspicious circumstances

• As well as the support which we can offer if someone dies from natural causes, where there is evidence of suspicious circumstances we can suggest the best way to raise any concerns with the local authorities.
• We can also offer basic information about the local police system and legal system, including any legal aid that is available.
• We can provide lists of local lawyers and local translators/interpreters (although we do not pay for either) and, where possible, details of support groups. In all cases where you, as next of kin, have concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death, we suggest you get professional legal advice.
• We cannot investigate deaths ourselves and, in many countries, investigating authorities and the courts will not answer enquiries, including from British embassy staff. If this is the case, it is very important to consider appointing a local lawyer who can look after your interests in court and follow any trial for you.
• We will consider making appropriate representations to the local authorities if there are concerns that the investigation is not being carried out in line with local procedures or if there are justified complaints about discrimination against the person who has died or their family. The standard of investigative procedures and expertise varies greatly across the world.
• Embassy staff in London are available to meet family representatives. They will contact the next of kin if the investigating authorities tell us about any new developments. Where possible, if the next of kin visits the country where the person died during the early stages of the investigation and initial court hearings, our staff there may be able to meet them.
• There are a number of organisations in the UK that can help bereaved families and friends come to terms with their loss, whether the death was natural or otherwise. Some, such as ‘Support after murder and manslaughter’, can help you face the problems and difficulties that arise from death overseas under suspicious circumstances www.samm.org.uk
• We also have a leaflet called Victims of crime abroad which you may also find helpful. 

The British Embassy in Quito has a very useful Fact Sheet to help you through practical arrangements you may need to make in the event of a death in Ecuador. You should be aware that Ecuadorian procedures differ significantly to those in the United Kingdom and that, while we understand your need for arrangements to be made quickly, this is not always possible. These notes are designed to give you a better idea of the procedures and relevant costs for the cremation, burial or repatriation of remains/ashes to the UK. Please ask for this death fact sheet at the Embassy.

• Under Ecuadorian law, an autopsy is obligatory if a person has died from a violent or sudden death. Medical police pathologists usually carry out the autopsies.
• The British Embassy can provide you with a list of local mortuaries or funeral directors. If insured, the insurance company usually covers all costs and deals with all the paperwork and arrangements. The British Embassy will keep the bereaved family informed.