Death Abroad
If you have come to this page needing support after the death of a loved one overseas, firstly please accept our sincere condolences.
Secondly, rest assured that through our dedicated team and partners we will do everything we can to make this terrible time that bit easier for you.
We can't make it better, we can't mend it. But we can help you cope with it.
An unexpected death, whether through the acts of another in murder, manslaughter, even terrorism, through natural disaster such as an earthquake or freak weather incident, through sudden illness, a tragic accident, a death on the roads or even suicide can have a long and profound effect of those left behind.
The process of dealing with affairs and coping with the loss at home is hard enough, but when the death occurs overseas there are a whole lot of new concerns and considerations.
Practical matters, such as whether to have the body brought home for burial, can be fraught with underlying concerns such as whether the police in the country will allow the release of the body.
We have many years of experience in helping families in these situations, and unique knowledge gained from years of professional service helping victims and their families as well as people who have actually been there - the only people who really can say 'I know how you feel'.
We won't cry out for change or lobby for your rights. There are plenty of other organisations and people ready to do that. What we will do is endeavour to provide practical help and logistical support - rather than complain that something isn't right for you, we will try and find a way to make it right.
In many countries the process following a death of a foreign national can be very long. You should be prepared for a long journey, sometimes over ten years in complex murder cases.The Lucie Blackman Trust will remain with you throughout - for as long as you need us.
Many of the services we provide are listed below, as well as some of the things we can't do. We will explain what help is available to you, through us and our partners, and explain why it is that certain authorities can't do that certain thing you think they should.
Our partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is long standing and grows ever stronger and closer. We are able to liaise with them on your behalf, chase them for updates, ask questions to the right people.
Whatever your needs, if you or your loved one have been the victim of a serious crime abroad, we can help. Every case is different so please contact us with as much information as you can. We will quickly respond to you and help wherever we can.
"I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, as without your help we would have found it difficult to attend the trial...
Please continue with your great work..."